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Republic Act 12144

Business

Mayor Reyes expects investment surge as Davao Light takes over Samal power operations

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

MAYOR Lemuel Reyes is optimistic that businesses will thrive and more investors will begin to seriously consider Island Garden City of Samal now that Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) has taken control of its power needs.

In an interview at Club Samal on Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 25, the mayor stated that the entry of the new utility provider is expected to boost investor confidence and significantly lower operational costs for the island’s tourism sector.

“More investors will come in. To my constituents inSamal Island, start buying several appliances because they will no longer be damaged,” he said.

According to Reyes, the transition follows a court ruling against the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco).

“Nordeco filed a petition, but it was denied by the Regional Trial Court. Today, we accompanied the sheriff to position Davao Light to take over the existing power lines,” Reyes said.

He clarified that, based on briefings from Davao Light’s legal team, the company will now operate all existing power assets previously held by Nordeco, including power lines and electric posts, with the exception of the Mindoro Bay Company (MBC) assets.

“Per our discussion with Davao Light’s lawyers, they have a contract in place. While we wait for the submarine cable in April, they will utilize the Mindoro grid in the meantime,” Reyes explained.

The shift is expected to provide immediate relief to the island’s high-end resorts and local residents who have long struggled with unstable power and high rates.

“All resorts and residents will be happy. For instance, Discovery Samal has been relying on generator sets. Now, their rates may even decrease because electricity costs will finally drop,” the Mayor noted.

Immediate effect on consumers

Effective Wednesday, Feb. 25, Reyes announced that Davao Light is in full control of the island’s electricity. He advised residents that billing will now shift to the new provider after they settle their current obligations to Nordeco.

The mayor held a meeting with barangay leaders on Tuesday night to inform them of the court sheriff’s deployment and the official positioning of Davao Light assets across the island.

The writ of possession for the power distribution system in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte, was implemented on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. The writ was issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 4 in Panabo City.

Under the order, Davao Light has been given the authority to take control and manage the island’s power distribution system, including electric poles, power lines, and other assets.

Based on Republic Act 12144, the franchise of Davao Light has been expanded to cover areas in Davao del Norte (including Samal) and Davao de Oro.

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Opinion

Davao Light’s rate increase burdens consumers

by Contributor
written by Contributor

TAGUM CITY – The Davao Consumer Movement (DCM) raises serious concerns over the recent increase in power rates imposed by Davao Light, following its expansion into Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.

In January 2026, Davao Light raised its rates by P2/kWh, bringing the cost to P11.72/kWh from P9.71/kWh in December 2025. For an average household consuming 200 kWh monthly, this translates to an additional P400 on their electric bill, a burden felt directly by families already struggling with rising costs of living.

Davao Light explained that the increase was due to higher supply prices from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), citing several power plant outages that drove market prices upward. The company also pointed to the implementation of the new government charge, the Green Energy Auction Allowance (GEA-All) under ERC Case No. 2025-127 RC, as another factor.

While these reasons may account for part of the increase, they do not paint the full picture. Consumers are left questioning whether the billions being spent on Davao Light’s expansion projects in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro are also contributing to the higher rates. The lack of clarity and transparency in the company’s explanation is deeply troubling.

For years, Davao Light has been recognized for offering some of the lowest rates in the country. This sudden and steep increase has come as a shock to many households, undermining trust and raising doubts about the company’s commitment to affordability. During congressional and senate hearings for Republic Act 12144, Davao Light promised to keep rates low despite its expansion. Today, that promise appears to be slipping away.

Consumers deserve honesty and accountability. At a time when families are already overburdened by rising expenses, power rates should not become another source of anxiety. Davao Light must be more transparent about the true reasons behind this increase and mindful of the impact on the communities it serves.

The Davao Consumer Movement will continue to monitor this issue closely. We stand with consumers in demanding fairness, transparency, and the fulfillment of promises made. 

Ryan Amper
Convenor
Davao Consumer Movement
0905-5634083

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News

Nordeco urges consumers not to switch to Davao Light as ERC’s CPCN is still temporary

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE DAVAO del Norte Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) urged its consumers against switching to Davao Light and Power Co. as the certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) is still “provisional.”Nordeco announced Tuesday, Jan. 20, that it continues to be a legitimate electric distribution utility to Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.“Busa, giawhag ang atong mga pinanggang miyembro-konsumante-tag-iya sa padayon sa pagsuporta sa atong Nordeco,” it said.“Dili magpadala sa mga haylo nga magpakonek sa Davao Light aron malikayan ang kasamok ug kahasol,” it stressed.Nordeco reiterated that the law mandating expansion of Davao Light’s franchise in their areas is not yet final.“Ang balaud sa pag-expand sa Davao Light ngadto sa Nordeco franchise area, dili pa final kay gipasaka pa sa Supreme Court ang pag-question sa maong bala-udnon,” Nordeco said. It stressed that the hearing for the application of CPCN is still ongoing. “Ug gani, sa milabayng hearing adtong Enero 13, 2026, Dili hingit ug ligdong ang tubag sa Davao Light sa dihang gipangayuan sila og pasalig nga dili motaas ang taripa sa kuryente ug wala nay brownout kung mosulod na sila,” it stressed.In an en banc commission meeting on December 12, the ERC granted provisional authority (PA) approval for Davao Light’s CPCN. The ERC authorized Davao Light to start connecting customers in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro, as stated in Republic Act 12144.Davao Light also urged the consumers that the decision allows them to accept applications for connections.Despite this, Nordeco continues their fight over the contested area.On Dec. 22, 2025, APEC Partylist Rep. Sergio Dagooc and PHILRECA Rep. Presley de Jesus filed House Bill 7006, granting Nordeco a franchise to construct, install, establish, operate, own, manage and maintain distribution systems for the conveyance of electric power to the end users in Davao del Norte and De Oro.This includes municipalities of Compostela, Monkayo, New Bataan, Montevista, Maragusan, Nabunturan, Mawab, Laak, Maco, Mabini And Pantukan in the province of Davao De Oro And municipalities of Asuncion, New Corella, Kapalong, San Isidro, and Talaingod in the Province Of Davao Del Norte and the City Of Tagum.In June 2025, Nordeco filed before the Supreme Court a petition for certiorari and prohibition with prayer for writ of preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order to declare Republic Act 12144 as “unconstitutional.”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.

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Business

Tagum business chamber welcomes Davao Light CPCN

by Nova Mae Francas
written by Nova Mae Francas

THE TAGUM City Chamber of Commerce welcomed the issuance of a provisional certificate of public conveyance and necessity (CPCN) by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to Davao Light and Power Co.

“This is one big step for customers of Tagum City and Davao del Norte who aspire for better service and lower electricity rates,” the statement said. 

The ERC has granted provisional approval for Davao Light to start connecting customers in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro, as stated in Republic Act 12144.

TCCCI president Engr. Sean A. Gellangarin said with the PA, Davao Light can now connect customers and collect payments for its service, subject to final approval by the ERC.

“While we understand Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) is still putting up resistance and going to court to stop Davao Light from taking over and to stop customers from switching – the business sector is still hoping for the NordecoBoard of Directors to initiate a level-headed negotiation and peaceful transition from Nordecoto Davao Light,” he said. 

He stressed that it’s not only the business sector that’s praying for a smoother transition, but also the consumers. 

“We all deserve lower rates and better service to support business, improve lives, and build a better economy for Tagum City and Davao del Norte,” he added. 

In an en banc commission meeting on December 12, ERC granted Provisional Authority (PA) approval for Davao Light’s CPCN. 

“We welcome this decision of the ERC. For months, Davao Light has laid the foundation of our network in our expanded areas. With this decision, we can now accept applications for connections,” DLPC president and COO Enriczar Tia said.

Customers who would want to transfer to Davao Light may apply online through links to the application process on the Davao Light Facebook page, website, and other channels.

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Business

Davao Light inaugurates major infrastructure development in Tagum

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE DAVAO Light and Power Company launched its first distribution pole and the groundbreaking ceremony for a 22 MVA (Mega Volt-Amperes) Digital Substation in Barangay Magugpo East on Tuesday, July 8. 

The site will also serve as a crucial warehouse and stockyard facility for the utility company. The step marked Davao Light’s tangible presence in Davao del Norte, following the effectivity of Republic Act 12144 on April 6, 2025.

The act officially expanded Davao Light’s franchise area to include Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.

Davao Light CEO and president Engr. Rodger S. Tia, Anton Perdices of AboitizPower, Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib, 2nd District Rep. Jose Manuel Lagdameo, elected officials from various municipalities in Davao del Norte, and Brig Gen Ronnie Babac, the commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade, attended the ceremony.

The expansion comes amid the ongoing legal challenge from the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Nordeco), which has filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition before the Supreme Court.

Despite this, Davao Light has proposed establishing a Joint Transition Committee with Nordeco, aiming for a smooth and efficient transfer of operations.

Davao Light acknowledged Nordeco’s right to pursue legal avenues.

 “We acknowledge Nordeco’s right and await their feedback on the proposed creation of the Joint Transition Committee, which we believe is essential to pursue to facilitate a smooth and orderly transition, ensuring clarity, coordination, and preparedness throughout the process, even with their pending petition,” Davao Light stated in a statement.

The new facilities at Maharlika Highway, Magugpo, Tagum City, symbolize Davao Light’s commitment to delivering reliable power.

 The upcoming digital substation is poised to become a vital hub for distributing electricity to homes, businesses, and establishments within the expanded service areas.

Beyond mere infrastructure, Davao Light emphasized that this milestone reflects its broader mission to “energize progress and extend its service to the people of Davao del Norte.”

Moreover, the company reiterated its gratitude for the trust, confidence, and opportunity to serve the communities across both Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.

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