THE Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of Republic Act (RA) 11918, affirming the expanded franchise of More Electric and Power Corporation (More Power) to distribute electricity beyond Iloilo City to 15 municipalities and the component city of Passi.
The Court en banc issued the final ruling on May 20 and notified the parties involved on June 13, 2025.
Roel Z. Castro, president and chief executive officer of More Power, welcomed the decision, saying, “We’re grateful that the Supreme Court has upheld the rule of law and the will of the people. This ruling is a victory for consumers who have been waiting for two years to access modern, reliable, and efficient electric service.”
The Court denied with finality the motions for reconsideration filed by Iloilo Electric Cooperative I (Ileco I), the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (Philreca), and other petitioners who opposed the expanded franchise. The petitioners claimed that the law violated the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira) and constitutional provisions.
However, the Supreme Court reiterated that public utility franchises are not exclusive and that Congress has the authority to amend or expand them in pursuit of public welfare.
More Power’s franchise expansion was signed into law in July 2022. It extends the company’s distribution services from Iloilo City to the municipalities of Alimodian, Anilao, Banate, Barotac Nuevo, Dingle, Dueñas, Dumangas, Leganes, Leon, New Lucena, Pavia, San Enrique, San Miguel, Santa Barbara, Zarraga, and Passi City.
The ruling is a major victory for consumers and advocates of reform in the energy distribution sector. More Power’s entry into the new service areas is expected to introduce modern infrastructure, improved power reliability, and better customer service. The company plans to implement its services in phases over the next four to five years.
Local officials and consumer groups have expressed support for More Power’s expansion, citing long-standing complaints against existing electric cooperatives. The company’s operations in Iloilo City have shown improved system efficiency, pricing transparency, and customer responsiveness, making it a model for distribution utilities in the country.
Castro said the ruling strengthens the company’s resolve to serve more communities. “Electricity is a basic need. This decision enables us to serve more communities that deserve better power services,” he said.
The Supreme Court’s decision is final and executory, bringing closure to a legal battle that began shortly after RA 11918 was enacted. The Court also stated that it would no longer entertain further pleadings, having fully addressed all legal concerns raised. (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)