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Protest lands on CUC’s doorstep
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Posted on Jul 11 2008
Protesters brought complaints over the Commonwealth Utilities Corp’s high rate prices, mismanagement and questionable contracting practices to the agency’s doorstep Friday with a protest outside its headquarters in Dan Dan.
CUC’s high utility rates have forced scores of local businesses to cut costs or cut back on services to cope with the added financial burden. Meanwhile, recent contracts inked by CUC have come under scrutiny by local watchdogs and lawmakers concerned that the agency is making serious mistakes. Moreover, frequent power outages and brownouts continue to plague customers.
Public outcry over these issues united members of Taotao Tano, a prominent indigenous community group, with the Coalition of United Workers, a local labor organization, for the protest.
Taotao Tano activists on the road near CUC’s headquarters urged Gov. Benigno Fitial and Lt. Gov. Timothy Villagomez with a noticeable placard to step down if they cannot resolve CUC’s troubles.
“These people need to understand that this is a public utility, that we are the public and that we are suffering,” said Gregorio Cruz, president of Taotao Tano. “We are suffering from their mismanagement, their corruption and their misspending.”
Irene Tantiado, president of the coalition, said CUC’s high rates and mismanagement have also put a major strain on foreign workers already struggling financially.
“We hope they will give us a chance to air our sentiments about their rates, the mistakes, the billings,” she said. “People are tired of these problems. The cost of power, in addition to gas and the outages; those things add up to more pressure and tension for guest workers.”’
Futhermore, CUC’s rates continue to impose a major burden on small businesses, according to protester Enrico Santos, a local sign-maker. His CUC bills, he said, have seen a severe spike recently that has put a strain on his work.
“I really know that they won’t listen to this kind of outcry but somebody must stand up,” Santos said. “Even though they won’t listen, they will hear us.”
CUC officials could not be reached for comments as of press time.
