Davao Light and Power Company (Davao Light) has reiterated that it has full authority to operate the electric distribution system across its expanded franchise area in Davao del Norte, while the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) maintains that it remains the legitimate service provider pending a final ruling from the Supreme Court.
In a statement released on Monday, Davao Light urged the public to disregard what it described as false or misleading information regarding its operations in the province.
The company said its authority is based on Republic Act No. 12144, which expanded its franchise coverage to include the provinces of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.
“Davao Light’s authority to operate in these areas is anchored on Republic Act No. 12144, which expanded its franchise coverage to the Provinces of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro. This law has been upheld by the Supreme Court,” the company said.
Davao Light also cited writs of possession issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Tagum City, Branch 2, covering Tagum City and the municipalities of Asuncion, Kapalong, New Corella, San Isidro, and Talaingod, as well as a separate writ issued by the RTC of Panabo City, Branch 4, covering the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS).
“With these legal bases, Davao Light is now responsible for the full operation of the electric distribution system within its franchise area, including maintenance, customer service, billing, and collection,” it said.
The company warned that any person or group conducting operations, billing, collection, or disconnection activities without proper authority may be acting illegally and could face legal action.
“Any person or group without proper authority who conducts operations, billing, collection, or disconnection activities is acting illegally and may be subject to legal action,” Davao Light said.
The power utility company also advised customers to transact only with authorized personnel, verify identification cards, and report suspicious activities through official Davao Light channels or the police.
Meanwhile, NORDECO issued its own advisory to its member-consumer-owners, stating that there is still no final order from the Supreme Court regarding the implementation of Davao Light’s expanded franchise within NORDECO’s coverage area, including the questioned writs of possession.
“We would like to inform everyone that, as of this time, there is still no final order from the Supreme Court regarding the implementation of the franchise granted to Davao Light and Power Company within NORDECO’s coverage area under Republic Act No. 12144, including the questioned Writs of Possession,” NORDECO said.
The cooperative maintained that it continues to operate because there is no court order declaring NORDECO illegal or directing it to cease operations.
“In view of this, we continue to recognize and follow NORDECO, as there is no court order declaring NORDECO illegal or directing it to cease operations,” the statement read.
NORDECO said it remains responsible for meter reading, billing, collection, service disconnections and reconnections, processing ofnew service connections, and responding to consumer complaints.
“While we await the decision of the Supreme Court, let us continue to support our Electric Cooperative,” it added.
