DISSATISFIED with the service of Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco), the 20th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Davao del Norte passed a resolution opposing the utility provider’s franchise renewal.
During its 21st regular session on Nov. 25, lawmakers passed Resolution No. 1182, expressing dissatisfaction of Nordeco’s electric distribution services due to unreliability despite expensive charges.
The resolution also requested both Houses of Congress to “seriously take into consideration these sentiments in the evaluation of application for its franchise renewal” which expires 2028.
The resolution gained a vote of 13 “Yes” while District II Board Member Orly Amit voted “No.”
Board Member Al David T. Uy, proponent of the resolution last month, said the poor service from Nordeco has long been a problem, particularly in the Island Garden City of Samal.
“I don’t have ill feelings towards them. Pero mao man gyud ang mulo sa mga taga Samal and I’m sure sa tibouk distrito uno pud pati ang Davao de Oro. Because everyday, gikan pa sauna pa nahimo kong konsehal, vice mayor, nahimo kong mayor mao gyud ang problema,” he said.
“We cannot attract investors in Samal. To be honest, mahirap talaga because of inefficiency, not reliable and very expensive,” Uy added.
District II Wendel Enad recognized that while the law is being challenged before the Supreme Court, the resolution is an expression of the sentiments of the Davao del Norte residents.
“It is a well-settled rule that a law cannot be implemented if it’s constitutionality is being challenged before the Supreme Court and the court has issued a status quo ante, temporary restraining order. In the absence of such an order, the law cannot be implemented but its implementation may be suspended if the Supreme Court finds the petition has merit. In other words, in (such) absence, the law enjoys the prèsumption of its validity until declared otherwise,” he said.
“The Resolution 1182 is just a mere expression of the sentiments of the constituents (and) as legislators we are just voicing the respective sentiments of the constituents,” he added.
In explaining is “No” vote, Amit expressed that he disagreed in the resolution considering that it promotes monopoly of public services, in this case the electric power.
“Ang Constitution sa Pilipinas nagsulti nga bawal ang monopoliya sa mga public services, sama sa kuryente. Ang paghatag og monopolyo sa usa ka kumpanya, sama sa kuryente, supak sa prinsipyo sa fair competition ug consumer protection nga gisiguro sa atong Constitution. (Art. XII, section 11),” he said in his Facebook post.
“Unsa man ang epekto sa monopoliya? Ang epekto niini wala này kapilian ang konsumante sa kuryente kay isa raman ang nag provide. Pildi ang consumer niini,” he added.
While he welcomes the entry of Davao Light as a provider for the benefit of the people, he said competition is critical so that the residents can receive an excellent service.
The 20th SP also passed a resolution urging action to ensure a smooth, orderly and uninterrupted transition of electrical services in the province.
RA 12144, which lapsed into law on April 6, officially expands Davao Light’s franchise area to include Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.
Photo courtesy: SP Davao del Norte
