What about the 1st District?

JUST RECENTLY, the Supreme Court has issued a final ruling upholding the constitutionality of MORE Electric and Power Corporation’s (MORE Power) expanded franchise, allowing the company to extend its electricity distribution services beyond Iloilo City to 15 additional municipalities and the component city of Passi in Iloilo Province.

This means the Court en banc denied with finality the motions for reconsideration filed by Iloilo Electric Cooperative I (ILECO I), the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (PHILRECA), and other petitioners. 

Simply put, all legal issues are sorted out with finality and the court would no longer entertain further pleadings.

Indeed, a victory for the power consumers of Alimodian, Anilao, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Dingle, Dueñas, Dumangas, Leganes, Leon, New Lucena, Pavia, San Enrique, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, and Zarraga, and Passi City.

Sadly, the power consumers of the towns comprising the 1st District of Iloilo all serviced by ILECO I are not included in the coverage of Republic Act 11918, authorizing MORE Power to operate in Iloilo Province’s 15 municipalities and one component city. 

Does this mean that the power consumers of the 1st District will just watch from the sidelines as Iloilo City and the 15 additional municipalities and Passi City enjoy all the good things that come with MORE Power as their distribution utility i.e. cheap, reliable and steady electric power including the best customer service/relation?

Hopefully not, as the leaders – particularly the representative of the 1st District – holds in their hands the power to do a politically correct initiative for the power consumers, their constituents, to improve their lives electricity consumption wise.

Just recently, consumer groups from Iloilo’s 1st District are pushing for the expansion of MORE Power’s services to their area, citing the need for improved service quality and more affordable electricity rates.

These consumer groups have called on local government officials, particularly Cong. Janette Garin, to explore legal avenues to include their district within the franchise coverage of MORE Power, and the legal avenue is an amendment to RA 11918 to include the towns in the 1st District service currently by ILECO I.

The advocates for inclusion argued that MORE Power’s track record as “I Am Iloilo City’s” sole power distribution utility, i.e. excellent customer relation/services, lower residential rates and generation charges, make it a more appealing option for consumers. 

Take note that the Supreme Court’s final decision reaffirmed that public utility franchises are not exclusive and that Congress, through its legislative powers, may amend or expand franchises to prioritize the general welfare.

Thus, the consumers of the 1st District are urging their officials, particularly Congresswoman Garin, to consider all legal avenues to ensure that they also benefit MORE Power’s better service and lower rates.

Moving on, MORE Power plans to roll out the expansion in phases over four to five years, focusing on upgrading infrastructure, enhancing power reliability, and improving customer service in the newly included areas.

The company’s entry has been widely welcomed by local officials and consumer groups across Iloilo, many of whom have been vocal about dissatisfaction with the performance of existing electric cooperatives. 

The final ruling marks a major milestone in national efforts to improve electric service delivery and introduce healthy competition in the energy distribution sector.

According to MORE Power president/CEO Roel Castro, “Electricity is a basic need. This decision enables us to serve more communities who deserve better power services.”

Indeed, it is a tradition of the political leaders of the 1st District particularly Congresswoman Janette Garin to always have the best interest of their constituents in their brand of public service.

And the epitome of that is to pave the way for more efficient and affordable electricity services in the 1st District./PN

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