Bohol Light, MORE Power Franchises Get Senate Approval, Paving Way for Infrastructure Investment

The Philippine Senate has separately approved the congressional franchises for the electricity distribution operations of Bohol Light Company Inc., a unit of Razon-led Primelectric Holdings Inc., and More Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power). In a news release, Primelectic announced that the Senate, on Wednesday, approved on third and final reading a measure granting Bohol Light a fresh 25-year franchise to operate an electricity distribution system in Tagbilaran City. The measure authorizes the company to construct, install, establish, operate, own, manage, and maintain a distribution system for the conveyance of electric power to end-users in Tagbilaran City. It also mandates the company to ensure a continuous and uninterrupted supply of electricity within its franchise area, subject to applicable laws and regulations and the oversight of the Energy Regulatory Commission. The House of Representatives had previously approved the Bohol Light franchise bill, House Bill No. 4746, on third reading on Oct. 13, 2025, and transmitted it to the Senate the following day. Furthermore, the Senate advanced on second reading a separate measure seeking to amend the franchise of MORE Power, the distribution utility serving Iloilo City. This proposed amendment seeks to revise Sections 1, 16, and 21 of Republic Act No. 11212, as amended by Republic Act No. 11918, which originally granted the company its franchise to operate an electricity distribution system in Iloilo City. The amendment aims to expand its franchise to include towns in southern Iloilo. The House had approved the measure on second reading on Feb. 23 and on third reading on March 3 before transmitting it to the Senate. Primelectric stated that the Senate's actions allow the MORE Power measure to move forward in the legislative process, while the Bohol Light bill moves closer to becoming law following its approval on final reading. These approvals are seen as crucial steps towards modernizing and expanding the country's power infrastructure, particularly in ensuring stable and improved electricity supply in provincial cities. Source: GMA Money Philippines