Tacloban City (29 March) --- The 11 electric cooperatives operating in Eastern Visayas region yesterday questioned the rate increase granted to the National Power Corp. (Napocor), saying that it was not justified because most of the agency's assets have already been privatized.

"With only 30% (privatization) more to go, there is no reason to increase the rate because majority of Napocor's generation assets are already in the hands of private companies," said Gerry Gwen Conde, head of the association of the general managers of electric cooperatives in Eastern Visayas.

Mr. Conde, who is also the general manager of Leyte II Electric Cooperative, further questioned the lack of consultative meetings and public hearings before the increase was granted.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) held a public hearing on the adjustment only last week. But the rate increase was granted in February.