THE Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) said it was dismayed after a House panel passed on second reading a bill that would allow Davao Light and Power Company to operate in areas that are under the jurisdiction of NORDECO.
NORDECO issued the statement following the approval of House Bill 11072 on second reading.
The statement stated that the electric company has expressed its strongest dismay over the passing of the bill at the committee which is now on its way to a third reading before it will be approved by the entire plenary members.
NORDECO asserted that the passage is a violation of Article XII, Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution and Section 27 of R.A. No. 9136 which provides clear guidelines regarding the granting and validity of franchises in the electric power sector.
The company emphasized that under the law, they should be allowed to operate to their full term and to continue operations under their current franchise.
Although Tagum City and the rest of the Del Norte municipalities except for Carmen, Panabo, Santo Tomas, and Braulio E. Dujali, are still in contract with NORDECO, Samal Island and De Oro will be expiring soon.
NORDECO’s contract with De Oro will expire in 2028 while Samal Island in 2033. NORDECO has asked for the protection of its existing franchises to ensure uninterrupted services to its consumers.
