PASAY City — The Senate Committee on Public Services, led by Sen. Raffy Tulfo, conducted a hearing on March 18, 2026, to examine two franchise proposals involving subsidiaries of Primelectric Holdings Inc.
Tackled during the session were the bid of Bohol Light Company Incorporated to extend its franchise and the application of MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) to expand its service coverage. Representing the companies, President and Chief Executive Officer Roel Z. Castro outlined key performance gains and presented the basis for their respective legislative requests.
Bohol Light reports improvements after takeover
Primelectric Holdings acquired a 70% stake in Bohol Light in late 2024 from the Salcon Power Group, with the Provincial Government of Bohol retaining 30% ownership.
Since then, Castro reported notable gains, including the addition of more than 1,000 new customers, particularly in previously underserved areas. The utility has also simplified its payment system by enabling barangay-level transactions in Tagbilaran City and reducing application requirements for new connections to four documents.
He added that the company maintained its entire workforce while enhancing employee benefits, including the introduction of health insurance and a 14th-month pay.
MORE Power seeks expansion in Iloilo
MORE Power, which has been operating in Iloilo City for six years under its current franchise, is now seeking to widen its service area.
The proposal covers the seven municipalities in Iloilo’s First District, backed by Congresswoman Janet Garin following public demand, alongside areas in the Second and Fourth Districts already included in its existing franchise.
Castro cited major operational improvements since MORE Power took over Iloilo City’s electricity distribution. These include a sharp reduction in system loss—from around 28% down to approximately 5%—and an increase in customers from about 62,000 to 107,000.
He also noted that reliability indicators significantly improved, with both the System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) and System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) reduced by over 90%.
According to Castro, MORE Power, together with Negros Power and Bohol Light — under Primelectric Holdings — now offers among the lowest electricity rates in the Visayas.
Agencies cite compliance, recommend safeguards
Various government agencies provided generally favorable assessments of the utilities:
* The Department of Energy (DOE) said reportorial requirements are compliant but will recommend additional regulatory provisions.
* The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) confirmed adherence to standards on performance, reliability, system loss, and power quality.
* The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) reported that the companies are up to date with tax filings and have no pending cases.
* The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) noted compliance with reporting rules and will submit a formal position paper.
* The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) raised no objections and submitted its findings.
* The Commission on Audit (COA) took a neutral stance, stressing the need for provisions on audit access, transparency, and accountability.
* The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported no pending labor-related issues and no objections.
Meanwhile, representatives from Iloilo’s electric cooperatives also did not express opposition during the hearing.
Next steps
Following the discussions and inter-agency review, both proposed measures were referred to a technical working group (TWG) for further evaluation. The committee is expected to continue refining the bills, incorporating recommendations before advancing them in the legislative process./PN