The opposition to a proposal granting emergency powers to Pres. Aquino to address the rising cost to power and the mass transit problem in Metro Manila has snowballed with both administration and opposition lawmakers rejecting it. In Malacanang Pres. Spokesman Coloma Jr. said the government is still undecided on the proposal to grant Aquino emergency powers. The president however has directed the Cabinet to look into concrete measures on how to ease the burden of consumers from the high power costs. Coloma Jr. also reaffirmed the government is ready to protect the welfare of the Pilipino consumers, the Energy Sec. Petilla has started dialogue with Manila Electric Co. and other power producers about the electricity costs.
