“GO hard on them.” 

Thus, Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim urged officials of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), amid reports that certain depressed areas have been resorting to power theft to be able to use electricity without paying the necessary charges.      

In a meeting with the company’s representatives at the Manila City Hall, Lim said: “Let’s go hard on them. Pagnana-kaw ’yung ginagawa, eh,” in reference to those who are able to use electricity without having to pay anything by using jumpers and other similar devices.       

The mayor said the only way to beat power theft is to really go after those who are caught behind it by filing charges against them. 

He recalled that the penalty for such a crime was in fact increased before to dissuade power thieves from doing their thing.      

Lim, together with Councilor Nino dela Cruz, chief of staff and media bureau chief Ric de Guzman, city engineer Armand Andres and city electrician Ernesto Cuyugan, also  discussed with Meralco officials lighting projects lined up for Manila, particularly the update of the solar bulb lighting installation in depressed communities.

In the meeting, Andres reported to Lim that a total of 1,020 pieces of such bulbs, made out of an empty one liter of softdrink bottle, have been installed in houses in Baseco Compound, Parola Gate 13-18 and the Isla Puting Bato.

The community-based solar lighting project was launched by Lim and Meralco for the residents in the depressed areas of Manila and is expected to spell huge savings on electricity for them.

Under the project, each home enjoys solar-generated electricity at no cost to the occupant who can now do away with using candles or kerosene lamps that  only poses danger and the possibility of causing fire. With Milenette Sarah Uy & Adrian Stewart Co