SENATORS yesterday called for an investigation, in aid of legislation, on the continuing power supply problems in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) in Davao del Norte and a congressional review of the performance of the electric cooperative that has been the island’s power supplier.
Senators Christopher Go, Francis Tolentino, and Ronald dela Rosa have jointly filed Senate Resolution No. 981 asking the Committee on Energy to assess the capability of Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) to provide stable and dependable power supply to IGACOS and come up with long-term solutions to prevent future power disruptions amid complaints of frequent power outages which have adversely affected residents and the island’s bustling tourism industry.
The senators noted that despite NORDECO’s previous assurances to address the complaints, including the completion of a submarine cable project to bolster electricity supply, substantial improvements have remained undelivered.
In calling for the probe, the three senators emphasized the critical role that a stable power supply plays in supporting local businesses, especially the tourism sector, which is a vital component of IGACOS’ economy.
They added that aside from scrutinizing NORDECO’s performance, they also want to ensure that the electric cooperative lives up to its mandate of providing affordable and dependable power supply to its service areas, including 16 municipalities, two cities, and two provinces in the Davao region.
Go, Tolentino and Dela Rosa underscored that the Constitution gives Congress the authority to review the performance of entities that have been granted congressional franchises, and to amend or repeal such franchises when the common good is at stake.
The Senate last year also held hearings when IGACOS was declared under a state of calamity due to the power crisis.
