Tension rise between Davao power distributors
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur —Tensions rise between two power distributors in Davao del Norte as their legal dispute over franchise and service coverage continues to unfold.
On Thursday, the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) denounced what it described as the “forcible” implementation of a writ of possession in favor of Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) in the Island Garden City of Samal, calling the move “totally illegal” and politically motivated.
In a press statement, NORDECO said the Feb. 25 enforcement of the writ stemmed from an order issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 4 in Panabo City granting DLPC’s application for a writ of possession covering areas in Samal.
DLPC had been granted a franchise over areas where NORDECO also operates.
The cooperative, however, argued that a motion for reconsideration remains pending, citing a Feb. 24 court order, and questioned the timing and manner of the writ’s implementation by Sheriff Jonathan E. Flores.
“What we saw was mob rule at the behest of DLPC and participated in by political leaders promoting their 2028 political agenda,” NORDECO said, accusing its rival of disregarding due process.
NORDECO maintained that a recent Supreme Court ruling granted DLPC only “operational responsibility” within its expanded franchise, not exclusive control of the area.
Citing the landmark case between the Iloilo Electric Cooperative ILECO and MORE Electric and Power Corporation, the cooperative stressed that overlapping power franchises may coexist in a single market to promote competition, in line with Section 11, Article XII of the 1987 Constitution, which states that a franchise is not exclusive in character.
“NORDECO remains a legal franchise holder and will continue to serve,” the cooperative said, assuring its member-consumer-owners that it would protect its equity, including capital contributions from local and national governments.
READ: Davao power co-op urges Marcos to veto bills on firm’s expansion
The Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives (AMRECO) expressed support for NORDECO, describing the high court ruling as a “landmark victory” for the electric cooperative sector.
“This decision reinforces a vital truth: that the rule of law exists to protect the many, not just the few,” AMRECO said in a separate statement.
For its part, DLPC announced on its social media page that it has begun operations in Samal and is now ready to provide electric service to residents.
“Davao Light is now in the Island Garden City of Samal to provide services for your electricity needs,” the company said in an advisory./coa
