Consumers in the 1st District of Iloilo are calling on their local government officials and Congresswoman Janette Garin to initiate legislative action allowing MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) to expand its franchise coverage to their municipalities.
The Bantay ng Bayan 101 Association, a consumer group advocating for improved electricity services, passed a resolution urging their leaders to pursue this initiative. The resolution, submitted to municipal officials, underscores the consumers’ demand for inclusion in MORE Power’s service area, citing its lower rates and improved service quality compared to their current electricity provider, Iloilo Electric Cooperative (ILECO 1).
Consumer Group Pushes for Expansion
In the resolution, the group stated:
“We, the residents of the 1st District of Iloilo, firmly believe that the entry of MORE Power in our municipalities will bring significant benefits, including lower electricity rates, better services, and more efficient power distribution. We urge our local officials and our Representative in Congress to take the necessary steps to make this a reality.”
At present, MORE Power exclusively serves Iloilo City but has already secured Congressional approval for its expansion into the province. Under Republic Act 11918, signed into law in 2022, MORE Power’s franchise was extended for another 25 years and expanded to cover 15 municipalities in Iloilo’s 2nd and 4th districts.
The approved expansion allows MORE Power to distribute electricity to:
2nd District: Alimodian, Leon, Leganes, New Lucena, Pavia, San Miguel, Sta. Barbara, Zarraga
4th District: Anilao, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Dingle, Dueñas, Dumangas, San Enrique, and component city of Passi.
Supreme Court Ruling Strengthens Legal Basis
The resolution further cites a recent Supreme Court decision, which upheld that ILECO’s franchise is not exclusive, affirming the constitutionality of MORE Power’s expansion. This ruling strengthens the argument that MORE Power can legally extend its services to unserved areas where consumers demand better options.
“The Supreme Court ruling has made it clear that the franchise of ILECO 1 is not exclusive. This means that, with the proper legislative action, MORE Power can legally expand to our district and give consumers a much-needed alternative,” the resolution added.
Municipal leaders from several towns, including Guimbal, Miag-ao, Oton, Igbaras, Tubungan, Tigbauan, and San Joaquin, have expressed their support by signing the resolution. They highlight the need for a legislative measure that would pave the way for MORE Power’s inclusion in the 1st District.
Consumers in these municipalities are hopeful that Congresswoman Janette Garin will push for the necessary amendments to Republic Act 11918 or introduce new legislation to allow MORE Power to enter the 1st District.
With strong backing from local leaders and consumer groups, the movement for franchise expansion in Iloilo’s 1st District is gaining momentum. The petitioners argue that MORE Power has demonstrated its capacity to provide lower electricity rates and a more reliable distribution system compared to their current provider.
As the clamor for expansion continues to grow, the next step now rests in the hands of legislators, who will decide on the future of Iloilo’s power distribution landscape.
