Senate Approves Franchise Renewal for Two Visayas Power Firms

THE SENATE on Monday approved separate proposals for the renewal of the franchise of the Visayan Electric Co. and Bohol Light Co.’s distribution system in Bohol for another 25 years. With 17 affirmative votes and no negative votes, the Senate passed House Bill No. 7639 allowing the operation of the Visayan Electric Co. to provide electric power to consumers in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Talisay, and Naga, and the municipalities of Minglanilla, San Fernando, Consolacion, and Liloan, Cebu. “The Grantee shall create employment opportunities and shall allow on-the-job training in their franchise operation: Provided, that priority shall be accorded to the residents of the franchise area,” the measure read, mandating the Visayan Electric Co. to adhere to labor standards. The Bohol Light Co. has likewise secured the Senate’s nod for the renewal of their franchise to construct and operate its own distribution system for the end-users in Tagbiliran, Bohol under the House Bill No. 4746. Under the measure, Bohol Light Co. is mandated to ensure distribution of electricity to the franchise area and reduced energy costs. — Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel