NEPC executive optimistic about Senate approval of franchise

By Dolly Yasa

The chief executive officer of the Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC), Roel Castro, is hopeful that the Senate will pass a counterpart measure of House Bill 9805, which would grant a 25-year franchise to the power distribution company.

The bill authorizes NEPC to set up and maintain a power distribution system to serve end-users in various areas within Negros Occidental, including Bacolod, Silay, Talisay, Bago, Murcia, and Don Salvador Benedicto.

In a chance interview with the Daily Guardian, Castro said, “For me, it’s 50-50, I cannot say that it will not [be approved], and I don’t want to be overconfident to say it will, but I am hopeful it will be approved.”

Castro shared his sentiment following a Senate committee hearing chaired by Senator Grace Poe, where NEPC and Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) officials, including president Dwight Carbon and general manager Atty. Arnel Lapore, attended to discuss HB 9805.

“All sides were heard,” Castro mentioned, appreciating the presence of opposition figures at the hearing.

Poe emphasized during the hearing the committee’s commitment to not impede development and improvements in public services.

Castro sees this as a positive sign for NEPC’s goal to enhance power distribution services.

NEPC, born from a joint venture between Ceneco and MORE Power—the parent company owned by businessman Enrique Razon—has assured that Ceneco employees will be prioritized for hiring

“As a matter of fact, about 250 Ceneco employees, have signified their intention to join NEPC, ” Castro said.

The NEPC head remains hopeful for the Senate’s approval, noting that the bill has already been passed by Congress.

On February 22, 2024, the House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 9805 on third reading.

Senator Grace Poe made it clear that a franchise is a privilege that comes with the substantial responsibility to serve the public.

In her opening statement, she emphasized that if a franchise does not deliver adequate service, it can be revoked.

“Having a franchise is a privilege accompanied by a great responsibility to provide service to the public. Therefore, if it is not properly carried out, it can be revoked,” Poe declared, setting the tone for the proceedings that would scrutinize franchise applications with an unprecedented level of diligence.

The current and previous Congresses have raised the bar for franchise providers, demanding better service in exchange for the privileges granted.

Poe also reassured Ceneco employees not to fear being marginalized but to be part of the growth process in their areas of service.