The Davao Consumer Movement (DCM) welcomed the landslide approval of House Bill 11072 on the third and final reading during the regular session of the 19th Congress on December 10, 2024.
The bill, expanding the franchise area of Davao Light and Power Company, garnered 181 yes votes, 9 no votes, and one abstention.
“This is a massive win for the consumers of Davao del Norte and some in Davao de Oro. People living in Davao del Norte and Maco, Davao de Oro are now one step closer to having reliable and affordable electricity. Our voices have been heard and we are ready to experience change after years of suffering under poor and expensive power services,” Ryan Amper, convenor of DCM said in a statement.
House Bill 11072 seeks to expand the franchise area of Davao Light to areas Maco in Davao de Oro, Tagum City and Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) in Davao del Norte, and municipalities of Davao del Norte namely Asuncion, Kapalong, New Corella, San Isidro, and Talaingod.
Amper thanked the principal authors of the bill including Rep. Margarita Ignacia B. Nograles-Almario, Rep. Pantaleon D. Alvarez, Rep. Maria Carmen S. Zamora, Rep. Alan “Aldu” R. Dujali, and Rep. Sandro L. Gonzalez.
“Lastly, the business groups and the consumers who have fought and pushed for a brighter future for their home – Davao del Norte and Maco, Davao de Oro,” Amper said.
Meanwhile, Nograles said she unceasingly promoted and defended the bill at the Congress.
“Dugay na nako ni ginaduso kay I believe kitang tanan diri sa Davao Region deserve nato ang more affordable and reliable power supply,” she posted online.
