DAVAO CITY(November 25) — The Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) has called out Davao Light and Power Co. for conducting meter reading, billing, and other customer service activities in parts of Davao del Norte despite a pending Supreme Court case over their franchise boundaries.
NORDECO said it was alarmed after learning that Davao Light teams were already active in Samal Island and Kapalong. The cooperative maintains it is still the legal power distributor in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro while the High Court has yet to rule on its petition questioning Republic Act 12144, the law that expands Davao Light’s franchise.
Davao Light, however, insists it is only following the law.
“With no ruling yet from the Supreme Court, the law remains in effect. We are simply complying with the mandated transition period,” said Engr. Enriczar Tia of Davao Light.
NORDECO also raised concerns over bidding activities reportedly being carried out by Davao Light. Tia clarified that all projects must go through bidding as required by the Energy Regulatory Commission and form part of the transition plan.
Amid the tension, Davao Light said it hopes for cooperation and open communication with NORDECO as the franchise shift continues.
