BACOLOD City — The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) is seeking monthly inspections of internet service providers (ISPs) and telecommunications companies (telcos) operating in the city to ensure compliance with requirements for backup power supplies.
The SP approved last week a resolution authored by Councilor Dindo Ramos requesting the City Legal Office (CLO) and City Engineer’s Office (CEO) to implement and enforce City Ordinance (CO) No. 1129, Series of 2026.
The ordinance requires covered ISPs and telecommunications companies to maintain backup power supplies to help ensure the continuity of internet and telecommunications services during power interruptions.
The resolution also calls for monthly inspections and the submission of regular inspection reports and compliance certificates to the City Council.
The move comes amid frequent power interruptions in Bacolod, which the resolution noted have been partly attributed to insufficient energy generation.
The council said the situation highlights the need for reliable telecommunications services, particularly during power outages when residents and government agencies depend heavily on internet and mobile communications.
Under the resolution, monthly inspection reports should contain the names of the ISPs and telecommunications companies inspected, dates and locations of inspections, compliance status, deficiencies or violations found, and actions taken or recommended by the concerned city offices.
The CLO and CEO are also being asked to furnish the SP with copies of compliance certificates issued to ISPs and telcos that meet the requirements of CO 1129.
The council said regular monitoring would allow the city government to maintain an updated record of compliance and identify establishments that fail to meet the ordinance’s requirements.
It would also enable the city government to take appropriate action against non-compliance and help ensure the continuity of internet and telecommunications services during power interruptions./PN
