CEBECO’s Carcar franchise heading to Congress

CEBU, Philippines — The House Committee on Legislative Franchises has approved a consolidated substitute bill granting a franchise to Cebu I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CEBECO I), paving the way for further deliberation by the House of Representatives.

The measure, approved during the committee's hearing on June 3, 2026, consolidates House Bill Nos. 5898 and 6431.

House Bill No. 5898 was authored by Malasakit at Bayanihan Representative Girlie Veloso, together with Representatives Sergio C. Dagooc and Presley C. De Jesus, while House Bill No. 6431 was filed by Cebu Representatives Rhea Mae A. Gullas (First District), Edsel A. Galeo (Second District), Karen Hope F. Garcia (Third District), and Patricia C. Calderon (Seventh District).

The proposed franchise would authorize CEBECO I to construct, install, establish, operate, own, manage, and maintain distribution systems for the conveyance and distribution of electric power in Carcar City and the municipalities within its service area in southern Cebu.

During the hearing, Veloso expressed support for the measure, emphasizing the importance of reliable electricity in sustaining communities, businesses, and public services throughout the cooperative’s coverage area.

“Electricity is an essential public service that powers homes, schools, hospitals, businesses, farms, and entire communities. The continued ability of CEBECO I to provide reliable and accessible electric service is vital to the growth and development of my hometown, Carcar City, and the many communities in southern Cebu that CEBECO I has faithfully served through the years,” Veloso said in her Facebook post.

The lawmaker also highlighted her family’s connection to rural electrification efforts in Cebu through her uncle, Fr. Paking Silva, who was said to have devoted most of his life to expanding access to electricity and strengthening institutions that brought power to communities across the province.

“Perhaps that is why I have always viewed CEBECO I as more than a utility. It is a community institution that has helped improve lives across generations of Cebuanos,” she added.

During the deliberations, an official of the National Electrification Administration (NEA) informed the committee that CEBECO I received perfect scores in all evaluation metrics under the agency’s assessment system and was recognized as a Hall of Fame electric cooperative.

The recognition reflects the cooperative’s sustained performance in governance, operations, financial management, and consumer service, according to the NEA official.

Veloso also acknowledged the contributions of CEBECO I General Manager Engr. Loy Crodua, its Board of Directors, officers, employees, and member-consumer-owners for helping sustain the cooperative’s mission of providing efficient, reliable, and accessible electric service.

Following deliberations, the committee approved the consolidated substitute bill incorporating House Bill Nos. 5898 and 6431, along with the corresponding committee report, moving the proposed franchise a step closer to approval by the full House of Representatives. — /IHM (FREEMAN)