Nordeco keeps fight alive for Davao franchise

MANILA, Philippines — The Northern Davao Electric Cooperative Inc. (Nordeco) is refusing to back down from its claim over its franchise area in Davao, as it continues operations while pursuing legal remedies.

Nordeco has sought clarification and reconsideration before the Supreme Court (SC) over recent rulings on the coexistence of its operations with Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC).

“At the same time, there are still ongoing cases before the regional trial court regarding the disputed takeover and possession of Nordeco assets, which are also raised before the SC,” Nordeco project supervisor Emmanuel Galarse said in a statement.

Galarse said the matters are not yet final and are still being decided by the courts.

Republic Act 12144, which lapsed into law in April 2025, authorized DLPC to take over Nordeco franchise areas, including Tagum City, Samal Island and parts of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.

Under the law, Nordeco is allowed to continue operating in these areas for up to two years during the transition period to ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply to consumers.

The cooperative filed a petition before the High Court on May 26, seeking to block the takeover of its assets in Tagum City.

As legal cases remain pending, Nordeco said it could not approve requests for the withdrawal of billing deposits and would instead refer the matter to the Energy Regulatory Commission for appropriate guidance and action.

In a separate statement, DLPC asserted its “full authority” to operate across Davao del Norte and warned against “unauthorized activities.”

The country’s third-largest power utility cited RA 12144 as well as court rulings affirming its authority to operate and manage electricity distribution networks in the contested franchise areas.

“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.