HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRIPEVINE - OUR NEW ABNORMAL History repeats itself, as we were fervently wishing for “mag-balik ang dati;” and we got it, but the “dati” that’s reappeared, is ECQ. Thankfully, as ECQ is ushered back in, and definitely not welcomed, we’ve also seen industry and corporate giants acknowledging how the general public will be severely affected by this unwanted resurrection, and taking measures to help the public out. MERALCO just announced that disconnection activities will be suspended in areas under ECQ, and MECQ. The NCR is under ECQ from August 6 to 20, while Laguna was placed on MECQ from August 1 to 15. This gives a little breathing room for MERALCO subscribers under installment programs to settle their bills. And once again, MERALCO is encouraging their customers, especially those with concerns over their previous bills, or seeking payment terms, to reach out to MERALCO on their various platforms (i.e., website and app, hotline, Twitter, and FB page) to discuss and clarify these concerns. Or one can book an appointment through the Online Customer Appointment (CAN) system, before heading to the MERALCO Business Centers. DURING THE ECQ, MERALCO meter reading and bill delivery activities will continue. (Photo from MERALCO) As the ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission) strongly recommended last year, customers should pay and settle their bills within the original due date “to help manage the cash flow in the energy supply chain, and ensure the continuous supply of electricity.” And even the consumer group Bantay Konsyumer, Kalsada, Kuryente (BK3) echoed this call to consumers to settle their bills, or reach out to address their concerns. BK3 was encouraging this as it recalled how right after ECQ restrictions were lifted the first time, MERALCO customers crowded the business centers to clarify concerns over their electric bills. It’s hoped that attending to this now, will prevent this occurring again. For even during the ongoing ECQ, MERALCO will continue their operations such as meter reading and bill delivery activities, in compliance with the order of the ERC. And it’s the energy supply chain and continuous supply that’s crucial during the ECQ, as people are stuck at home. As I’ve mentioned before, MERALCO customers are among the few still enjoying the true meaning of credit in this day and age – as we are charged and have to pay our MERALCO bills only after we’ve already consumed the electricity. Think about it, with GCash, Grab, Lalamove, Food Panda, etc., are we enjoying these services and online platforms on credit? I don’t think so, they’re all cash transactions, just contactless. So you can imagine what the domino effect on MERALCO would be if unpaid bills would exponentially multiply. Plus how the majority who are dutifully paying or working out terms will suffer if the stubborn minority of non-payers were still getting their supply of electricity. So I laud MERALCO for once again putting compassion, and being responsive to the situation, ahead of all other concerns. Just saying… Our Hole-y City While I’ve been stressed by this return of the ECQ, this right back where we started from part two; if it’s what we have to accept, I only pray it’ll do the trick and arrest the spread of this COVID-19 Delta variant. But what I would like to beseech our government units to do, both national and local, is take advantage of the paucity of motorists during this two-week period and embark on a new campaign/initiative. I’m all for, and salute our “Build, Build, Build,” infrastructure projects; but please, please, please, can we now concentrate on repair, repair, repair? AFTER THE RAINS, we pray for deliverance from our Hole-y City – a pothole extravaganza on Roxas Boulevard, and other major thoroughfares. (Photo from mb.com.ph) I drive from Makati to our Manila Bulletin office in Intramuros regularly, and the potholes situation is so dire, you can’t even wryly laugh at my calling Metro Manila a Hole-y City. Barriers and orange cones dot my route with regularity like some obstacle course. But in this course, there are no winners – unless you want a winning flat tire, a champion dented under-chassis, or enjoy cheering from a standstill traffic snarl. On Roxas Boulevard, in the stretch between Gil Puyat and EDSA, on the side heading to the EDSA intersection, there are these barriers warning motorists of a deep set of potholes – and I’m not joking when I say it’s been over a year, and no one has bothered to repair this section of the road. Is it political turf war, National vs Municipal Road, a contractor who’s gone AWOL? I can’t even begin to fathom the why’s, but in all the time I’ve been driving, heading back from the Bulletin to Makati, it’s been there – a reminder of toxic systemic breakdown or failure. So I’m praying this isn’t falling on deaf ears.