“The law is expected to put an end to the agony of NORDECO consumers”
THE lawmakers who championed the passage of the measure paving the way for the expansion of Davao Light’s franchise coverage deserve to be congratulated as this would allow it to take over the operations of the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) in several areas in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.
At the House of Representatives, 181 lawmakers took up the cudgels for thousands of residents and businesses affected by NORDECO’s inefficiency, voting to pass House Bill 11072 on third and final reading.
Eighteen senators also voted in favor of Senate Bill 2888. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. allowed the bill to lapse into law, which is now known as Republic Act 12144, on April 6, 2025.
Energy consumer organization ILAW aptly described the law’s passage as a “vital and long-overdue step toward addressing the persistent power issues that have disrupted business operations and the lives of residents in these areas, particularly in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS).”
The law is expected to put an end to the agony of NORDECO consumers in Asuncion, Kapalong, New Corella, San Isidro, Talaingod, Tagum City, and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) in Davao del Norte, as well as Laak, Mabini, Maco, Maragusan, Mawab, Monkayo, Montevista, Nabunturan, New Bataan, and Pantukan in Davao de Oro.
However, it seems NORDECO, despite its inefficiencies and the hardship it has caused thousands of consumers, is not prepared to relinquish control without a fight.
It recently filed a petition before the Supreme Court to stop RA 12144, arguing the transfer of its franchise area to Davao Light was unconstitutional and violated its rights as an electric cooperative.
While it is within NORDECO’s rights, this legal maneuver only serves to prolong the suffering of its member-consumers, who have long endured unreliable service, frequent power interruptions, and poor customer support.
This resistance is especially disappointing, given that NORDECO has had ample time and numerous opportunities to improve its operations but consistently failed to meet the expectations of its consumers.
Instead of welcoming the chance for residents and businesses to finally receive better service, NORDECO appears more concerned about protecting its interests than responding to the cries of the communities it has failed to serve.
NORDECO is now being presented with another opportunity to do right by its consumers, by putting their welfare above all else.
But its latest action speaks louder than words. Questioning the legality of RA 12144 only revealed its true colors: prioritizing profit over the very people it is meant to serve.
Light outside the sewer
The Department of Social Welfare and Development has defended its s decision to extend P80,000 in livelihood assistance to “Rose,” the woman photographed crawling out of a Makati sewer recently.
Speaking at our Saturday News Forum that we co-host, DSWD Undersecretary/Spokesperson Irene Dumlao clarified that Rose is among the families and individuals in street situations (FISS) profiled by the agency for tailored support.
Dumlao clarified that Rose was not living within the sewer but had crawled in to retrieve a small cutter blade that she uses when collecting garbage. Rose earns about P300 daily along with her partner, who works as a jeepney barker.
Dumlao said because these people have no permanent address, most of them have not been able to benefit from the government’s social protection programs, including the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps.
“When we got in touch with her, she was surprised to know that there is aid that can be extended to her,” Dumlao said.
Under the Pag-abot Program launched in 2023, the government aims to assist FISS like Rose. So far, the agency has reached over 3,000 families.
When she met with the DSWD, Rose said she was happy to receive help and enhance her capacity to earn more, hence the P80,000 aid to finance the sari-sari store she hopes to put up.
“That P80,000 is given on a case-to-case basis and not given to all.
It depends on the needs and assessment of our social workers,” Dumlao said.
“We will provide livelihood assistance because that is part of the package of services that the government offers.”
(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)
