Nordeco Calls for Respect of Legal Processes in Davao del Norte Power Transition Dispute
The Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) has issued a formal appeal to Davao del Norte Governor Edwin I. Jubahib, urging him to respect established legal procedures amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the transition of power distribution to Davao Light and Power Company (Davao Light). This development follows recent public statements by the governor that have sparked concerns about potential disruptions to due process.
Governor's Appeal for Cooperative Transition
Governor Jubahib previously called for Nordeco's cooperation to ensure a smooth and peaceful transition period, emphasizing the critical importance of safeguarding cooperative assets. He stated that these assets rightfully belong to member-consumers and various government stakeholders. The governor made these remarks during an impromptu interview at a public event earlier this week, highlighting the provincial government's ongoing efforts to engage with the electric cooperative.
"Mao na ang atoang padayon na gina-monitor karon na maging maayo ug peaceful ang mahitabong transition period," Jubahib declared. He further explained that provincial authorities have been working diligently to prevent any loss of cooperative assets through constructive dialogue with Nordeco officials.
Nordeco's Legal Concerns and Judicial Boundaries
In a strongly worded response dated February 3, 2026, Nordeco formally requested that Governor Jubahib observe proper judicial boundaries and allow the courts to resolve the complex legal dispute. The cooperative expressed serious concern that public pronouncements on matters currently under active litigation could potentially jeopardize due process and create unnecessary disruptions to power services within its franchise areas.
"We call on the Provincial Governor of Davao del Norte Edwin I. Jubahib to respect the legal processes afforded to Nordeco pursuant to the prevailing laws and Rules of Court in order to prevent power interruptions in its franchise areas and to protect equity of its member-consumer-owners as well as the donated capital of the National and Local Government as they hold interest over the assets of Nordeco as he openly admitted," the cooperative stated in its official communication.
Sub Judice Rule and Pending Legal Challenges
Nordeco specifically referenced the "sub judice" rule, which prohibits public discussion of matters pending before the courts to shield judicial proceedings from undue external influence. The cooperative noted that Governor Jubahib's recent interview, which has been widely circulated across social media platforms, potentially violates this important legal principle.
The electric cooperative is currently engaged in two significant legal battles. First, it has questioned the constitutionality of Republic Act No. 12144 before the Supreme Court. This legislation expanded Davao Light's franchise into areas traditionally covered by Nordeco. Second, Nordeco is actively opposing expropriation proceedings filed by Davao Light over its assets before a Regional Trial Court, making the ongoing legal process particularly sensitive.
Davao Light's Assurance and Expansion Plans
Meanwhile, Davao Light has moved forward following the issuance of a Writ of Possession by the Regional Trial Court in January. The company has provided reassurances to consumers that the transition process will not result in service disruptions or exclusions of any communities from their power distribution network.
"Apil tanan, walay mabiyaan," the company emphasized in its public statements. Davao Light also addressed what it described as malicious, misleading, and incorrect insinuations surrounding its impending operations in the Island Garden City of Samal and other areas within Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.
To bolster consumer confidence, the company highlighted its established track record, noting that it has successfully energized 100 percent of barangays and 99 percent of all sitios in Davao City, Panabo City, and the municipalities of Carmen, Sto. Tomas, and Braulio E. Dujali. "We are committed to doing the same in all expanded franchise areas," Davao Light affirmed, adding that it remains "ready, willing, and capable of bringing our world-class service and cost-effective rates" to all areas covered by its expanded franchise agreement.
The situation continues to develop as both parties navigate the complex legal landscape while attempting to maintain stable power services for consumers throughout the affected regions.
