DAVAO del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib called on President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to "listen to the clamor of the people" following the latter's decision to veto the law granting the expansion of the franchise coverage of the Davao Light and Power Company (Davao Light) to other parts of Davao del Norte serviced by North Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco).
In a statement issued on Friday afternoon, July 29, Jubahib said he respected the decision of the President to veto House Bill (HB) 10554.
"We accept the decision of the president as we continue to hope that he will listen to the clamor of the people of Davao del Norte who have long suffered electricity that is up to our neighbors, frequent brownouts, poor service, and massive corruption," Jubahib said.
The governor, who previously lobbied for the entire province to be serviced by DLPC due to Nordeco's inefficiency in providing stable electricity, said he will continue to be the "voice" of his constituents in achieving this goal.
"To our people of Davao del Norte, we shall continue to be your voice. We shall continue to be your voice. We shall be steadfast in our pursuit of a better economy, and a better life for our constituents," he said.
Based on the letter dated July 27, Marcos explained that the bill cannot be approved as it violates a provision in the constitution provided that Nordeco's franchise in the province has yet to expire in 2028 and 2033.
"While I recognize the prerogative of the Honorable Members of Congress and the laudable intent of the bill to further improve and develop access to electricity within the captive market of the expanded franchise area, I am constrained to veto the bill due to the susceptibility of the proposed expansion of the franchise area of Davao Light and Power Company, Inc., to legal and/or constitutional challenges due to the apparent overlap and possible infringement into the subsisting franchise, permits, and contracts previously granted to North Davao Electric Cooperative Inc.," the President said in the letter addressed to the Senate.
Marcos also explained that HB 10554 runs counter to the provisions of Section 27 of Republic Act No. 9163 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira) mandating that "all existing franchises shall be allowed to their full term."
He added that repealing Nordeco's franchise over the expanded franchise area will violate the non-impairment clause as provided in Section 10, Article III of the 1987 Constitution.
Nordeco, meanwhile, in a statement issued on Thursday evening, July 28, thanked the President for his decision to veto the bill.
"The North Davao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Nordeco) expresses its heartfelt and profound gratitude to His Excellency President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. for exercising his VETO power over the enrolled House Bill No. 10544 which would expand the franchise coverage area of Davao Light and Power Company, Inc. to the Cities of Tagum and Island Garden City of Samal, and the Municipalities of Talaingod, Asuncion, Kapalong, San Isidro, and New Corella, Davao del Norte," Nordeco said in a statement.
The electric coop said Marcos' stand on the bill is part of his commitment to the total electrification program of the country, as mandated in Presidential Decree No. 269 enacted by the latter's father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr.
"This is not only a victory for Nordeco, Inc. but for its more than 200,000 member-consumer-owners (MCOs) and the 120 Electric Cooperatives in the country which is the implementing arm of the government in nation building," Nordeco said.
DLPC Reputation Enhancement Department manager Fermin Edillon told SunStar Davao in a text message that they have received information on Marcos' decision not to sign the bill.
Fermin, however, declined to give further comment on the matter.
"We cannot comment further on this until we receive final instructions from our regulators and government authorities," he said.
Nordeco, as of writing, has also not issued any statement following the vetoed bill.
At present, the franchise area of Davao Light only covers Davao City and Panabo City, Carmen, Dujali, and Sto. Tomas in Davao del Norte. RGL