Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. (Davao Light) welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court of the Philippines dismissing the petitions filed by Northern Davao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NORDECO) that questioned the constitutionality of Republic Act No. 12144.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Davao Light stressed that with the petitions dismissed, the law remains valid and can now be fully carried out.
Republic Act No. 12144 expands Davao Light’s franchise area and allows the company to build, operate, and maintain electric distribution facilities in the areas covered by the new law.
Republic Act No. 12144 was passed by Congress and signed into law to help improve power service in parts of Northern Davao.
The law gives Davao Light the authority to serve additional areas, while making sure its operations, rates, and services remain under the supervision of the Energy Regulatory Commission.
It also provides a clear process for the transition of service to avoid long-term overlap between distribution utilities in the same areas.
Recently, NORDECO had asked the Supreme Court to declare the law unconstitutional and to stop its implementation.
However, the Court dismissed the petitions and did not issue a temporary restraining order.
This allows the transition process under the law to move forward.
Davao Light President and Chief Operating Officer Enriczar Tia said the company is open to discussions with NORDECO to ensure a smooth handover of services.
“We look forward to meeting with NORDECO to discuss the transition process. We aim to work together to ensure an orderly handover of services and a seamless experience for consumers in the expanded franchise area,” Tia said.
Davao Light said its main priority is to ensure continuous and reliable electric service for consumers.
The company also committed to follow all legal and regulatory requirements as it prepares to take on its expanded responsibilities.
With the Supreme Court’s decision, Davao Light will begin preparations to serve the additional areas covered by the law.
The company said it will continue investing in infrastructure and service improvements to benefit households, businesses, and communities within its franchise area, while closely coordinating with regulators, local government units, and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth and stable transition for customers.
On February 25, Davao Light officially assumed control of electric distribution services across the entire Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS).
The takeover followed the lawful turnover of distribution assets previously operated by NORDECO, facilitated by the Sheriff of the Regional Trial Court-Panabo Branch 4.
Court records show the handover stemmed from a January 23, 2026 ruling granting Davao Light possession of NORDECO’s assets in IGaCoS. On February 19, 2026, the court sheriff served NORDECO with a Notice to Vacate along with a Writ of Possession, paving the way for the transition.
Davao Light’s expanded franchise, authorized under Republic Act No. 12144, covers IGaCoS, the rest of Davao del Norte, and Davao de Oro.
The Supreme Court affirmed the law’s legality in a January 14, 2026 decision, upholding Davao Light’s authority to assume control.
