Veco, MCWD asked to check ‘exorbitant’ bills

THE monthly electric and water bills of some police stations in Cebu City are reportedly higher compared to others, prompting acting Vice Mayor Dave Tumulak to check with the Visayan Electric Company (Veco) and the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD).

The electric bill of the Pardo Police Station alone ranges between P28,000 and P34,000 a month.

That’s considerably higher than other stations, Tumulak said.

He suspects that the police station’s lines are being tapped, which caused its bill to spike.

Inspection

Tumulak visited Pardo Police Station yesterday and found that aside from the lights, it only has six desktop computers and three aircondition units.

He already reported the matter to Veco and

Pardo Police Station’s monthly electric bill averages between P28T and P34T while Guadalupe Police Station’s water bill is between P14T and P22T

asked the utility firm to check the station’s lines.

Judith Ocaña, Reputation Enhancement Department specialist of Veco, said the department in-charge will look into it, so an investigation can take place.

“We have to verify this because its very unfair for Pardo. Of all the stations in the city, it is the largest consumer of electricity,” Tumulak said in Cebuano.

Tumulak also wants the water bill of Guadalupe Police Station verified.

According to the records of the General Services Office, the station’s water bill ranges between P14,000 and P22,000 a month.

Tumulak said he doubts police officers assigned in Guadalupe consume that much water every month.

Possible leak

He said there might be leaking in their connection that is why this should be checked.

MCWD public affairs manager Charmaine Rodriguez-Kara said they have yet to receive any report on the matter from the City, but she assured that they will act on it.

Tumulak said he hopes the electric and water bills of the two police stations will drop in the coming months to support the efforts of Mayor Tomas Osmeña to cut down the City’s expenses.

The City has been paying the electric and water bills of police stations and other special units of the Cebu City Police Office as part of the assistance given to them.