- Group sees end to power woes in Davao del Norte, de Oro with HB 11072
THE DAVAO Consumer Movement (DCM) looked forward to an improved power situation in Davao del Norte and Davao De Oro with House Bill 11072 lapsing into law.
In a statement on Tuesday, April 8, the group maintained that House Bill 11072 lapsed into law at 12:01 a.m. on April 6, Sunday.
“This new law will open new opportunities for residents in Tagum City, Island Garden City of Samal, and the municipalities of Asuncion, Kapalong, New Corella, San Isidro, and Talaingod in Davao del Norte, and the municipalities of Laak, Mabini, Maco, Maragusan, Mawab, Monkayo, Montevista, Nabunturan, New Bataan, and Pantukan in Davao de Oro as they will soon be served by Davao Light and Power Co,” DCM said.
HB 11072 was approved on third reading in the Senate on Feb. 3, 2025, with 18 in favor and one disagreement, specifically Senator Risa Hontiveros. The House of Representatives concurred with the Senate amendments on Feb. 6.
On March 5, eight copies of the bill, signed by Senate Secretary Renato N. Bantug Jr. and Senate President Francis Chiz G. Escudero, were sent to House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The bill seeks to add more municipalities to the franchise area of the Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC), amending RA 11515 or the act extending another 25 years the franchise granted to the DLPC.
For DCM, the improved power situation will also improve the quality of life of the residents of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.
While the group lauded the passage, they recognized the transition will take time, calling for the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) to coordinate with Davao Light.
However, Nordeco, in a statement released on Tuesday, viewed the inaction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., as proof that he stood by his previous position on a similar bill, HB 10554.
HB 10554 was vetoed by the president as it was unconstitutional and violated Section 27, Republic Act No. 9136, otherwise known as the Energy Power Industry Reform Act.
“We have consistently presented evidence pointing to its serious flaws–legal and constitutional—and this is exactly what we intend to demonstrate before the courts of law. We remain firm in our commitment to retain Nordeco’s franchises under the stewardship of the Member-Consumer-Owners (MCOs),” acting general manager Elvera S. Alngog said.
Alngog maintained the group will be more resolute in asserting the legal grounds proving the bill to be unconstitutional.
“Nordeco remains steadfast and stands on its ground to continue with its operations in serving its member-consumer-owners amidst the recent turn of events,” she added.
