- MITCH M. LIPA
Former governor Rafael Coscolluela has re-joined the Negros Occidental provincial government as consultant for energy and development concerns, putting a halt on speculations that he will seek a post in the 2022 polls.
Coscolluela was the Capitol consultant on investment promotions, trade and exports development, and inter-agency coordination during the administration of the late Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr.
He said that under Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, his work will include formulating an energy sector development plan with focus on transitioning to renewable energy.
The plan will be connected to the provincial ordinance authored by the previous governor and the approved by Provincial Board.
In February, Coscolluela and Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos met with Lacson to bring the concern of renewable energy producers who have invested millions in the province for production of various forms of renewable energy.
He added that his task will also focus on other inter-connected aspect of concerns for environmental protection, water security, and food security.
The range of interest that will cover his consultancy will give direction to the Lacson administration in pursuing its socio-economic agenda, Coscolluela said.
The former governor, a co-convenor of Negros for Leni, said people can now interpret that with his new task, he has no intention of running for any provincial position.
He can be of help to the province without getting involved in local politics, he added. – MML
