The Supreme Court has denied with finality the motions for reconsideration filed by Iloilo Electric Cooperative I (ILECO I), PHILRECA, and other petitioners against the expanded franchise of MORE Electric and Power Corp. in Iloilo province.
In a resolution dated 20 May, the high court affirmed its 2024 ruling upholding Republic Act 11918, which allows MORE Power to extend its electricity distribution services beyond Iloilo City to 15 towns and Passi City.
Petitioners argued the law violated the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) and infringed on cooperative service areas. But the Court maintained that utility franchises are not exclusive and Congress may amend them to serve public interest.
MORE Power, which received its initial franchise in 2019 under RA 11212, said the expansion will roll out over four to five years, with infrastructure upgrades and improved service quality.