SAN MANUEL – The National Transmission Commission (TransCo) awaits with bated breath the decision of the Regional Trial Court of Dagupan City on the civil case filed by the Dagupan Electric Corporation against the Dagupan City government, because it has great implication on their own situations.

Jose Arellano district manager of TransCo based in San Manuel town, acknowledged that the decision of the RTC would have an impact on TransCo because it also has several electric poles installed in Dagupan City which it uses for transmission of electricity.

The civil case filed by Decorp was in protest over the demand of the city government for P4.5 million in assessed real property taxes for 10 years over its 6,417 electric poles all over Dagupan City.

“Let the court decide,” Arellano said, refusing to comment on the issue which may also affect TransCo because it also installed electric poles in Dagupan City to service the needs of Decorp.

Not only TransCo awaits the outcome of the civil case but also other local government units throughout the country being serviced by private electric companies, except electric cooperatives.

Dagupan City Legal Officer Geraldine Baniqued said the city government already sent its answer and counterclaim to the civil case filed by Decorp where she maintained that Decorp’s electric poles are subject of real property tax.

Decorp went to court soon after its letter protesting the tax assessment of its electric poles was not answered by the city government.

They have not heard anything from the court on the matter up to now.

Decorp also provides electricity to the towns of San Jacinto where a similar demand letter for Decorp was reportedly served, and in the towns of San Fabian, Manaoag, Sta. Barbara, Calasiao and part of San Carlos City. (PNA)