Marcos approves 25-year franchise of Romblon’s power distributor

President Bongbong Marcos – Presidential Communications Office

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the 25-year franchise of Romblon Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Romelco).

In a statement on Sunday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Republic Act 12020 was signed last August 29 granting the franchise “to construct, install, establish, operate, own, manage, and maintain distribution systems for the conveyance of electric power to end-users in the municipalities of Banton, Corcuera, and Concepcion, Province of Romblon.”

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Romelco is mandated to supply electricity to consumers in the most affordable manner.

“The Grantee shall charge reasonable and just power rates for its services to all types of consumers within its franchised areas in order that businesses and industries shall be able to compete,” the new law stated.

The cooperative was also mandated to operate and maintain all electric distribution facilities and systems “in a superior manner” at all times.

Meanwhile,  the retail rates and charges will be regulated by and subject to the approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission.

The PCO added that the Romelco has the power to improve and change the facilities and systems “in such manner and to such extent as the progress in science and technology and improvements or innovations in the electric power services may render reasonable and proper” upon approval of related concerned agencies.

Furthermore, Romelco was expected to provide job opportunities for locals and establish a consumer desk to handle consumer complaints.