DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The suspension of Governor Edwin Jubahib of Davao del Norte has reignited discussions on the province’s pressing electrical issues and the broader debate over the privatization of electric cooperatives.
Governor Jubahib, suspended for 30 days following a motorcade rally advocating for improved electrical services, has found himself at the center of a controversy involving the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) and local consumer rights groups.
In an emotional public address delivered in the local vernacular, Governor Jubahib expressed his regret to the people, saying, “Sorry, I cannot serve you officially. I am again suspended.” He attributed the suspension to his active role in a rally that called for better electrical services and sought alternatives to the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NorDECO).
“The suspension, effective immediately, follows my involvement in a motorcade rally aimed at demanding better electrical services and finding a new power provider for our province,” Jubahib stated.
Governor Jubahib’s advocacy highlights ongoing frustrations with NorDECO’s service, which many in the province, particularly in the Island Garden City of Samal, have found unreliable. He defended his actions, including encouraging government employees to join the rally and using government vehicles, as part of his duty to address these community concerns.
“My participation in the rally was driven by a genuine concern for our community’s need for a stable and dependable power supply,” Jubahib said. He stressed that his efforts were in the best interest of Davao del Norte’s residents and a legitimate exercise of his responsibilities as Governor.
Meanwhile, NORDECO has stated strong support of the Coalition Against Privatization of Electric Cooperatives (CAPECs) and the National Center of Concerned Electric Consumers, Inc. (NCCECO) Davao del Norte/Davao de Oro Chapter. These organizations have been vocal opponents of privatization, aligning with NORDECO’s stance against what they see as corporate greed.
NORDECO emphasized its commitment to community-centered service and socio-economic growth, as well as its role in the government’s Rural Electrification Program under the supervision of the National Electrification Administration (NEA). Through initiatives like “Kalinga ng NORDECO,” the cooperative aims to enhance the appreciation and sense of ownership among its member-consumer owners (MCOs).
“The nature of NCCECO as a uniting force for protecting and promoting electric consumers’ rights and welfare aligns with the core of NORDECO’s mandate,” NORDECO stated. “We support the efforts of CAPECs and NCCECO to defend against the privatization of electric cooperatives and uphold the rights and welfare of the member-consumer-owners.”
NORDECO’s support extends to the legal actions taken against Governor Jubahib. The cooperative insists that these actions, based on allegations of grave abuse of authority and misuse of government resources, were filed independently and are grounded in substantial evidence. NORDECO underscores that the suspension order by the Office of the President was a valid exercise of its power under the Local Government Code.
“The cases against Governor Edwin I. Jubahib are based on facts and a legitimate pursuit of justice,” NORDECO asserted. “The Office of the President, endowed with the power of suspension, judged the necessity and sufficiency of the suspension.”
Despite these challenges, NORDECO continues to call for solidarity and support in its mission to retain its franchise and oppose privatization efforts. The cooperative believes that maintaining its public cooperative status is in the best interest of the community, aligning with its mission of “Serbisyong Kinasingkasing” or heartfelt service.
Governor Jubahib, while respecting the suspension, remains steadfast in his commitment to addressing the province’s power supply issues. He reassured his constituents of his dedication to their welfare and the continuous progress of Davao del Norte.
“Together, we will continue to strive for progress and improvement in Davao del Norte,” he concluded.
As the debate over electrical services and privatization unfolds, the future of Davao del Norte’s power supply and governance remains a critical issue for its residents and leaders alike.
But observers said, the suspensions against Jubahib is a proxy war between political powers that be in said province.
