Solons seek revocation of franchises of non-performing electric coops

House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo and four other lawmakers have filed a resolution urging the House of Representatives to conduct an immediate review and possible revocation of the franchises of the non-performing electric cooperatives, and the consideration of the entry of new electric cooperatives.

House Resolution No. 1302 was filed by Tulfo, ACT-CIS partylist Reps. Jocelyn Tulfo and Edvic Yap; Benguet Rep. Eric Yap and Quezon City 2nd district Rep. Ralph Tulfo on Monday due to numerous complaints received by their offices regarding the series of brownouts in different parts of the country served by electric cooperatives.

'Sa kabila ng mga reklamo ng brownout o kawalan ng kuryente ay patuloy pa rin naman ang pagbibigay ng pangit na serbisyo ng mga electric cooperative na ito sa kanilang mga naseserbisyuhan at nagtitiis na ang taumbayan (Despite complaints about brownouts or power failure, these electric cooperatives continue to render poor services to their respective areas, and the consumers are just trying to endure),' Tulfo said in a statement on Tuesday.

He said there are many electric cooperatives who want and are ready to deliver power to areas with frequent brownouts but are not given the opportunity due to the existence of these non-performing franchise holders.

'Panahon na upang silipin natin ang pangit na serbisyo ng ilang mga power companies na ito sa pamamagitan ng pag-rebyu ng mga prangkisa nila, pagkansela kung kinakailangan, at pagpasok ng mga bagong power players sa lugar (It's about time to look into the poor services of some of these power companies by reviewing their franchises, their cancellation if necessary, and the entry of new players in the area),' Tulfo said.

In the resolution, the lawmakers said the dismal performance of electric cooperatives underscores the need to explore alternatives, such as the establishment of new electric cooperatives or other models for the provision of electricity, to address the long-standing issues that have plagued residents and businesses in poorly-served areas