CONTRARY to popular belief, being politically correct is not always about political matters per se; it also about doing the right thing — what is generally accepted and beneficial to the majority.
And it is incumbent upon our political leaders to do the right thing—one that is beneficial to the citizens and their constituents.
So, what’s this “politically correct initiative” are we talking about?
Patience, my dear. We will get to the heart of the matter, but first, a bit of background — or should we say foreplay — to truly appreciate the “politically correct” initiative we’re talking about.
Consumer groups from Iloilo’s 1st District are pushing for the expansion of MORE Electric and Power Corporation a.k.a. MORE Power’s services to their area, citing the need for improved service quality and more affordable electricity rates.
The Movement of Iloilo Consumers for Better Electricity has called on local government officials, particularly Cong. Janette Garin, to explore legal avenues to include their district within the franchise coverage of MORE Power.
The consumer group noted that similar calls for expansion nearly three years ago by consumers, local governments, and legislators in Iloilo’s 2nd and 4th districts resulted into Republic Act 11918, authorizing MORE Power to operate in Iloilo Province’s 15 municipalities and one component city.
Alas, the 1st District, is not included in this coverage and remains under the jurisdiction of Iloilo Electric Cooperative I (ILECO 1).
The advocates for inclusion argued that MORE Power’s track record as “I Am Iloilo City’s” sole power distribution utility i.e. excellent customer relation/services, lower residential rates and generation charges make it a more appealing option for consumers.
The recent Supreme Court decision that upheld the constitutionality of MORE Power’s franchise expansion, ruling that the existing franchises of Iloilo Electric Cooperatives (ILECOs) are non-exclusive further strengthened their resolve for this inclusion in the expansion.
In a press statement, the Movement of Iloilo Consumers for Better Electricity said: “We, the consumers of District 1, urge our local officials and Congresswoman Garin to consider all legal avenues to ensure that our district also benefits from better service and lower rates.”
Meanwhile, the Pavia municipal council also expressed support for MORE Power’s expansion, unanimously approving a resolution urging the company to begin operations in their town.
The resolution, passed on August 14, 2024, encouraged MORE Power to consider a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with ILECO 1, similar to its partnership with Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO) under the Negros Electric and Power Corporation franchise.
MORE Power’s collaboration with CENECO has helped improve power supply and distribution to over 210,000 customers in Bacolod City, Silay City, and other areas in Negros Island.
The proponents of this Joint Venture Agreement believe a similar arrangement with ILECO 1 will ultimately benefit residents of Iloilo’s First District.
The resolution also emphasized that MORE Power’s rates are consistently lower than those of ILECO 1.
According to the resolution, “the rate of MORE Power for the residential class has consistently been lower than that of ILECO 1 over the last 12 months, and the generation rate of MORE Power has also consistently been lower for the same period.”
Take note that in its landmark ruling on July 30, 2024, the Supreme Court affirmed the legality of MORE Power’s expanded franchise under Republic Act No. 11918, and the decision also rejected petitions from ILECOs I, II, and III challenging the law.
The court clarified that public utilities must prioritize consumer interests, stressing that competition can drive better service and lower costs.
It also aligned the ruling with the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), which promotes competition in the electricity sector.
The Supreme Court emphasized that allowing MORE Power to operate in areas currently served by ILECOs — whose franchises expire in 2029, 2039, and 2053 — offers consumers an alternative provider, fostering competitive pricing and avoiding monopolies.
Finally, it is already a tradition that the political leaders of the 1st District, particularly Cong. Janette Garin, have always the best interest of their constituents in their brand of public service.
And the politically correct initiative is to pave the way for more efficient and affordable electricity services in District./PN
