By Mae Singuay
The House of Representatives approved on second reading House Bill (HB) 9310, which seeks to grant a congressional franchise to Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) during the 19th Congress regular session yesterday.
During the debate in the plenary, committee on legislative franchises chair, Parañaque City Representative Gus Tambunting emphasized that the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) will still own 30 percent of NEPC.
Tambunting said all of Ceneco’s debts and financial obligations would be settled through their joint venture agreement (JVA).
He also assured that Ceneco employees would be taken care of, and would be paid their retirement and separation fees, in accordance to the collective bargaining agreements.
They will also be given first preference if they wish to apply to NEPC.
HB 9310 will enable NEPC to establish, operate and maintain an electric power distribution system for commercial purposes and the public interest.
The bill’s primary objective is to ensure a continuous and uninterrupted supply of electricity in Ceneco’s service areas, that would meet the energy needs and contribute to the region’s development and progress.
The legislation marks a significant step towards addressing the energy requirements in the franchise areas, promoting economic growth, and enhancing the overall quality of electric distribution for residents.
HB 9310 was sponsored by Negros Occidental lawmakers Juliet Marie Ferrer (4th District), Francisco Benitez (3rd District) and Greg Gasataya (Bacolod Lone District); as well as Abang Lingkod Partylist representative Stephen Paduano.
The franchise is intended to serve the Negros Occidental cities of Bacolod, Silay, Talisay, and Bago, as well as the municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto for 25 years.
Ceneco and NEPC signed their JVA last year which seeks to improve power distribution services in the Negros-based cooperative’s franchise areas.
Earlier, the National Electrification Administration conditionally granted its consent to the JVA, but it was subjected to the fulfillment conditions.
Ceneco has around 177,700 eligible member-consumer-owners (MCOs).
The majority of MCOs were in favor of the JVA during the plebiscite last year, based on the Overall Plebiscite Committee records.
A total of 98,591 MCOs voted “yes,” which was equivalent to 55.53 percent, while 6,899 voted “no.”
Only 88,870 eligible MCOs are needed to ratify the JVA./MS, WDJ