Letter to the Editor: Who Will Ultimately Pay for ALECO’s Debt Write-Off?

Dear Sirs:

I am a regular subscriber of the Bicol Mail, which is delivered to us together with other newspapers, including the Manila Bulletin, Malaya, and the Philippine Daily Inquirer. I recently read the front-page article in the August 14, 2026 issue of the Bicol Mail entitled, “Salceda Seeks Debt Write-Off for Troubled ALECO.”

This issue deserves serious public discussion. If the proposal to write off the debt of the Albay Electric Cooperative (ALECO) is approved, is this ultimately a political decision, a financial decision, or a decision based on the long-term interest of the people of Albay?

The most important question is: Who will ultimately be responsible for the debt that is being written off?

If ALECO’s liabilities are written off, the debt does not simply disappear. Someone will ultimately bear the financial consequence. Will it be ALECO itself, the provincial government of Albay, the national government, or, ultimately, the Filipino taxpayers?

The provincial government and concerned government agencies should clearly explain this matter to the constituents of Albay. The public has the right to know who will assume responsibility for these liabilities and whether taxpayers will eventually shoulder the cost.

We must also consider the consumers of ALECO. They are ordinary people who depend on electricity for their homes, businesses and livelihood. They should not be left with the burden of a problem that they did not create.

If a government-related institution incurs substantial losses and its debts are eventually written off, we should ask whether this establishes a precedent for other government institutions that may also experience financial difficulties. Where does accountability begin and end?

The government must therefore be transparent about the proposed debt write-off. The people deserve to know the full amount involved, the reasons for the debt, who will benefit from the write-off, and most importantly, who will ultimately pay for it.

Kawawa at kahirap-hirap ang mga ordinaryong consumers ng ALECO at ang mga taxpayers if, in the end, they are the ones who will carry the burden.

I respectfully urge the concerned officials to explain this issue clearly and openly to the people of Albay.

By: Raul R. Montino

Naga City Camarines Sur