TACLOBAN CITY – Calls to remove the hazardous electric posts in Eastern Visayas continue, following the recent death of a cop whose motorcycle hit a pole along the highway in Sta. Fe, Leyte.
Staff Sgt. Gary Cabujoc was on his way to the Police Regional Office in Palo town from Barugo when the incident transpired in Brgy. Pilit of said town on Wednesday, November 9.
The PNP said that there have been many reports of road crashes due to the lack of warning signs and poor visibility of the posts.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 8 disclosed that at least 8,736 electric posts are blocking the widened roads all over the region.
In Leyte First District alone where the incident happened, 535 poles have been reported to block the roads.
Leyte III Electric Cooperative (LEYECO III) general manager Allan Laniba earlier said that they have been requesting funds in budget hearings in the House of Representatives for years already.
It was also learned that of the PHP 562.84 million needed, only PHP 48.93 million has been released from 2020 to 2021 as they are still waiting for the release of funds requested for 2022. He also lamented that the posts should have been removed first before the road widening since it is more expensive to relocate the poles after, citing the guidelines and procedures for the relocation. By Marie Tonette Marticio (EV Mail November 7-13, 2022 issue)
