CEBU CITY – The Department of Energy 7 is calling for the establishment of more power plants in the Visayas and for the expansion of existing plants since the region needs 2,000 megawatts starting in 2015.

The DOE foresees there won’t be enough supply of power in the Visayas by 2015 and onwards unless the existing capacity gets a boost.

During the power summit organized by the Freedom from Debt Coalition recently, DOE Visayas director Antonio Labios said the Visayas grid needed a total additional capacity of 2,000 MW starting 2015 and in the next 15 years.

Bill amending SSS law
passes second  reading

The bill that seeks to amend the old Social Security System Law and push for the minimum P7,000 monthly pension for retirees is already on second reading in the House of Representatives and a technical working committee is being created to fast-track the review of the bill, Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares, said Saturday.

Colmenares and Rep. Teddy Casino filed House Bill 4365 last year seeking to increase the current SSS pension rates to make it more responsive to the basic necessities of the pensioners.

“The P1,200 minimum monthly pension is very inhuman and it is insufficient for the needs of the pensioners,” Colmenares said.

PH to import Vietnam rice

HA NOI – The Viet Nam Southern Food Corporation has won a contract to supply 100,000 tons of rice to the Philippines for the high price of $400 per ton, a government press release said.

According to the Philippines National Food Authority, it selected Vinafood 2 for the deal because its price is much lower than that quoted by Thailand. Shipments are due next month.

Vinafood 2 also expected to secure another contract with the Philipines for an additional 20,000 tons of rice.