In a significant move for Iloilo's energy sector, First District Representative Janette Garin has formally proposed expanding the franchise area of More Electric and Power Corporation (More Power).
Details of the Proposed Franchise Expansion
On November 24, 2025, Representative Garin filed House Bill 6292, which seeks to amend Republic Act 11212, as previously amended by RA 11918. The bill was submitted to the Bills and Index Service of the House of Representatives for official review and deliberation.
The legislation aims to grant More Power the authority to establish, operate, and maintain a commercial power distribution system in seven municipalities within Iloilo's First District. The specific areas targeted for expansion are Igbaras, Tubungan, Oton, Tigbauan, Guimbal, Miag-ao, and San Joaquin.
Rationale Behind the Expansion
In her explanatory note for the bill, Garin justified the proposed expansion by pointing to More Power's track record in Iloilo City. She stated that over the past five and a half years, the company has dramatically improved service reliability and reduced costs for consumers.
"In that short period, More Power has reduced electric rates in Iloilo City from among the highest in the country to among the lowest," Garin emphasized. The lawmaker also highlighted the company's infrastructure achievements, noting it rehabilitated aging facilities inherited from its predecessor and expanded its customer base from 63,000 to 101,000 users.
Garin also clarified that the Energy Regulatory Commission has already issued a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to More Power for several other areas, including Passi City and multiple municipalities in the Second and Fourth Districts.
Introducing Competition and Local Support
While acknowledging that the First District is currently served by Iloilo Electric Cooperative I (Ileco I), Garin invoked a constitutional principle. "The Constitution is clear: no franchise for a public utility shall be exclusive in character," she asserted.
She argued that introducing competition and giving consumers a choice aligns with the public interest, enabling residents to access the "modern, dependable, affordable, and efficient" services already available in Iloilo City. Garin also noted that the Supreme Court has affirmed the validity of More Power's existing franchise and previous expansions.
Furthermore, the lawmaker revealed that local government units in the First District have passed resolutions supporting More Power's entry, reflecting a local desire to benefit from the company's responsive and forward-looking services.
