Nordeco Franchise Renewal Bill Draws Widespread Criticism in Davao Regions
The proposed legislation aiming to renew the franchise of the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) has ignited significant public discontent across Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro provinces. House Bill 7006, filed by Apec Partylist Representative Sergio Dagooc and Philreca Representative Presley de Jesus, appears disconnected from the growing consumer frustrations regarding power services in these areas.
Consumer Complaints Over Inefficient Services and High Rates
Across various social media platforms, residents and business owners have been vocal about their legitimate grievances concerning Nordeco's operational shortcomings. Many have reported experiencing unreliable electricity supply, exorbitant power rates that strain household budgets, and inadequate customer service responses.
Instead of addressing these concerns constructively, Nordeco has been accused of dismissing genuine complaints as coming from "trolls" and employing tactics such as blocking critical accounts and disabling comment sections on their official channels. These actions have further alienated consumers who feel their voices are being systematically silenced.
Real-World Impact on Families and Businesses
The consequences of Nordeco's service deficiencies extend beyond mere inconvenience. Residents, particularly in the Island Garden City of Samal, have documented numerous cases of:
- Damaged household appliances due to power fluctuations
- Disrupted business operations affecting local entrepreneurs
- Livelihoods put at risk from unreliable electricity supply
- Financial strain from consistently high electricity bills
These are not abstract complaints but tangible hardships faced by real families and enterprises struggling with the cooperative's performance shortcomings.
Legislative Response and Political Dynamics
The filing of House Bill 7006 has highlighted what critics describe as misplaced legislative priorities. While Representatives Dagooc and de Jesus have longstanding connections to electric cooperatives, opponents argue they lack comprehensive understanding of the daily challenges faced by consumers in the affected regions.
Notably, lawmakers directly representing Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro – including Representatives Maricar Zamora, Jhong Ceniza, Oyo Uy, and JM Lagdameo – have not sponsored this legislation. Their absence from the bill's sponsorship list suggests potential alignment with constituent concerns rather than cooperative interests.
Broken Promises and Eroded Trust
After years of unfulfilled commitments to service improvement, many consumers view the franchise renewal proposal as an insult to their patience. The public has heard repeated promises of better rates and more reliable service, yet the reality remains characterized by:
- Consistently high electricity costs compared to service quality
- Persistent reliability issues affecting daily life
- Deteriorating trust between the cooperative and its consumers
- Limited accountability for service shortcomings
The Davao Consumers Movement emphasizes that asking for "another chance" for Nordeco ignores decades of documented poor performance that has directly impacted household economies and business viability.
Call for Legislative Action
Consumer advocates are urging lawmakers from the affected regions to stand with their constituents and reject House Bill 7006. As elected representatives, they are being called upon to prioritize the voices of those who empowered them through the ballot.
The fundamental demand remains straightforward: affordable, reliable electricity services that support rather than hinder household welfare and economic activities. Anything less, according to consumer groups, represents a failure of both cooperative management and legislative oversight.
