THE Municipal Council of Miagao has formally approved a resolution requesting the inclusion of the municipality in the franchise area of More Electric and Power Corporation (More Power), citing the need for improved, reliable, and affordable electricity services.
This move follows the 6th Endorsement Letter signed by Mayor Oscar “Richard” Garin Jr. on July 3, 2025, urging Vice Mayor Salve Pechayco and the Municipal Council to support the legislative initiative.
The resolution was subsequently passed during the council’s second regular session on July 15, 2025.
Resolution B2025-010 requests Congresswoman Janette Garin, representative of Iloilo's First District, to initiate or sponsor a bill that will include Miagao in More Power’s expanded franchise under Republic Act (RA) 11918.
The law, approved in 2022, expanded More Power’s service coverage to 15 municipalities and one component city (Passi City and the municipalities of Alimodian, Leganes, Leon, New Lucena, Pavia, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Zarraga, Anilao, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Dingle, Dueñas, Dumangas and San Enrique.) in Iloilo province — but excluded the First District, which remains under the Iloilo Electric Cooperative (Ileco I).
Citing growing support from local consumers and stakeholders, the council emphasized that the shift to More Power would give Miagaoanons access to “lower electricity rates, better service quality, modern infrastructure, and quicker response times to power interruptions.”
The resolution also highlighted the Supreme Court’s final affirmation of RA 11918’s constitutionality, confirming that electric cooperative franchises are not exclusive and removing any legal barrier to More Power's expansion into new areas.
“Residents and consumers of the First District of Iloilo Province are entitled to fair and competitive access to reliable and affordable electricity services,” the resolution stated. “It is the collective desire of the constituents to benefit from the same improved quality of service currently enjoyed by consumers in areas already served by More Power.”
Copies of the resolution will be sent to Congresswoman Garin, the Department of Energy, the Energy Regulatory Commission, and other concerned agencies for their appropriate action.
The resolution was approved by 10 council members and Vice Mayor Pechayco on July 15, 2025. (Leo Solinap)