Collaboration to Competition: Iloilo’s Path Forward

The Supreme Court’s landmark decision to uphold MORE Power’s franchise expansion into areas previously served exclusively by electric cooperatives marks a watershed moment for Iloilo’s power consumers, one that demands careful consideration as elections approach.

For decades, Iloilo residents have endured a system where their power provider was predetermined by geographic boundaries, regardless of service quality or cost efficiency. The Court’s wisdom in recognizing that exclusive franchises must yield to public welfare aligns perfectly with modern consumer rights and market dynamics.

Critics arguing against this expansion conveniently overlook how competition often drives innovation and improved service delivery. The experience in Iloilo City, where MORE Power’s entry led to significant service improvements, suggests that competition – or even its mere possibility – can catalyze positive change.

The inclusion of 15 towns and one city under MORE Power’s franchise promises a fundamental reshaping of the region’s energy landscape. This isn’t merely a utility dispute – it strikes at the heart of development, job creation, and quality of life for Iloilo residents.

Every candidate running for office in the affected areas must now clearly articulate their stance: Will they champion competition to lower electricity rates and improve services? Or will they side with the status quo, citing concerns over stability and established contracts?

The Supreme Court’s decision, which prioritized police power and the common good over contractual rights, raises crucial questions about Iloilo’s readiness for competition in the energy sector. While the cooperatives have long enjoyed exclusive franchises, this exclusivity hasn’t guaranteed optimal electricity rates or service quality.

However, competition need not be the only path forward. Strategic collaboration between MORE Power and the cooperatives could yield the best outcomes for consumers. Shared resources, coordinated development plans, and mutual agreements on service areas could prevent duplication and ensure seamless service delivery.

Local leaders must recognize that power distribution isn’t just another campaign issue – it’s a fundamental economic driver affecting everything from household budgets to business competitiveness. Their position on this matter reveals their priorities: whether they favor progress and innovation or the preservation of existing structures.

While electric cooperatives have played a historic role in rural electrification, their protected status shouldn’t come at the expense of consumer benefits that competition can bring. The Supreme Court’s ruling effectively challenges this status quo, opening doors for potential collaboration between existing providers or healthy competition that could lead to better services.

As Iloilo moves forward, voters should demand specific plans from candidates about how they’ll ensure this new competitive environment truly serves public interest rather than corporate convenience. Politicians must act not as partisan advocates but as impartial brokers of the public good.

Consumers also bear responsibility in this transformation. They must actively question their leaders: Have they asked their candidates where they stand on this issue? Do they understand the potential benefits and pitfalls of MORE Power’s expansion? Such engagement is crucial for ensuring that changes in the power sector benefit everyone, not just select groups.

The Supreme Court’s decision is more than a legal victory. It’s beckons Ilonggos to act. The energy landscape is changing, and with it comes the opportunity to redefine how power is delivered and managed. Whether through competition or strategic collaboration, the end goal must remain constant: reliable, affordable power for all Iloilo residents.

This electoral season isn’t just about promises – it’s about power in every sense of the word. Voters must demand accountability, foresight, and clear policies from their leaders.

After all, electricity fuels more than homes and businesses; it powers Iloilo’s future.