It is known that Mayor Albee Benitez, the mayor of highly urbanized Bacolod City, supports the JVA to set up Negros Power. He even said, “JVA (of Primelectric with CENECO) is a White Knight that would save our consumers from the looming disaster.” To make the plebiscite more accessible and inclusive, Mayor Albee is pushing for a game-changing initiative – the “proxy voting booth”. This campaign, which kicked off last week, brings great convenience to those consumers who are unable to physically go to their designated polling precincts during the upcoming plebiscite.
Bridging the Gap: Understanding the Proxy Voting Initiative:
After almost 2 years of taking over my parents’ business, up to now, I am still learning the ropes of how to run it. I have to juggle my blogging, home repairs, running errands for my family, and running sticker operations of the business. While I want so much to support and vote yes to the proposed Joint Venture Agreement of MORE Power’s sister company, Primelectric Holdings Inc., with CENECO, I fear I don’t have enough time to go to the precincts.
The Bacolod City administration has responded to the modern challenges of our fast-paced lives by helping come up with a more convenient solution–proxy voting. Designed for CENECO member-consumers, this initiative addresses the issue of limited time availability during the resumption of the plebiscite related to the joint venture agreement (JVA) with Primelectric/Negros Power. The essence of this campaign lies in its ability to enable individuals to cast their votes via proxies, effectively extending the reach of democracy to even the busiest of schedules.
I have my reasons to support the JVA. Mainly they are these things:
- Company Record: If the company has done well before, it’s a good sign.
- Iloilo Example: Iloilo got better with MORE Power’s help. Our place can too.
- They Care: MORE Power is serious about good service. I want that for us.
- Private Know-How: A private company can have good ideas.
- Inspired by Iloilo: Seeing Iloilo do well makes me want the same here.
Proxy Voting: The What and the Why:
Proxy voting allows eligible CENECO members to delegate their voting rights to another individual who can cast a vote on their behalf. This method of participation comes in handy for those who, like me, despite being supportive of the CENECO JVA, cannot personally appear at the polling centers during the scheduled plebiscite dates. This was designed to offer a flexible alternative without compromising the sanctity of the voting process.
Plebiscite Schedule and Locations
The plebiscite, a crucial step in determining the future course of CENECO’s joint venture agreement, is scheduled for the following dates: Aug. 19, 20, 26, and 27, as well as Sept. 2 and 3, 2023. And below are the voting precincts:
But if you really cannot go to the voting precincts on the said dates, you can fill up the proxy voting forms at the CENECO JVA Booths. Booths are strategically located across prominent city malls and administrative hubs:
- SM City Mall
- Ayala Mall
- Robinsons Mall
- City Mall
- Gaisano Mall
- 888 Mall
- Bacolod Old City Hall
- Bacolod City Government Center
- Taculing Barangay Hall
- Estefania Barangay Hall
- Tangub Barangay Hall
Making Your Voice Heard: Participating in Proxy Voting:
For CENECO member-consumers who find themselves in favor of the CENECO JVA but are unable to personally vote during the plebiscite, the proxy voting process is straightforward:
1. Visit any of the conveniently located proxy booths mentioned above.
2. Collect and complete a proxy form, indicating your chosen proxy voter.
3. Ensure that your proxy understands your stance on the CENECO JVA and its implications.
4. Your chosen proxy can then cast your vote on your behalf during the designated plebiscite dates.
In Conclusion
Many think CENECO badly needs help. This JVA with Primelectric/Negros Power will be a big improvement to the electricity distribution of our rapidly growing city. For CENECO to catch up, let’s support the JVA. But if you are too busy to vote or it just so happens that you are occupied during the voting dates, voting by proxy is an option you may want to take.
