The Senate tackled House Bill No. 9805 that aims to grant the Negros Electric and Power Corp. (NEPC) a franchise to take over the power distribution system in Bacolod, Silay, Talisay and Bago cities and the municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto from Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO), on Wednesday, April 8.
Senator Grace Poe, who sponsored the bill, underscored the significant impact of the proposed franchise, emphasizing a projected P2.1 billion initial investment in Capital expenditures (CapEx) by Negros Power over the next five years, a press released from NEPC said.
She also highlighted the economic growth potential in the covered areas, affirming that consumers can expect stable rates and Negros Power’s commitment to efficient operation and affordable rates for consumers in Central Negros.
Negros Power assured that the present distribution charge of CENECO would not increase for the next three years when it takes over its operations.
Senator Win Gatchalian, during the interpellation, stressed the importance of due approval from the National Electrification Administration (NEA) for the plebiscite rules, ensuring the credibility, fairness, and transparency of the process in the Joint Venture Agreement between CENECO and Primelectric Holdings Inc. – the parent company of NEPC.
Poe addressed concerns raised by Senator Riza Hontiveros regarding the employees, assuring that all employees would receive their benefits under the collective bargaining agreement. She emphasized that priority would be given to rehiring employees based on qualifications and performance, underscoring Negros Power’s commitment to fair and transparent employment practices.
Poe also clarified to Senate minority floor leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel that CENECO will still have a 30 percent share of NEPC and will receive 70 percent cash on the value of the assets that PHI will buy once the franchise law takes effect.
After the lengthy deliberation, Senate majority floor leader Joel Villanueva closed the period of interpellation and is expected to calendar the bill for a period of amendments when the Senate sessions resume next week, the press release said.*