THE application of Bohol Light Company, Inc., (BLCI) for a (renewal) or new franchise to operate and maintain power distribution in the city has been tackled in the House of Representatives’ legislative franchise committee recently.
This came as the 25-year franchise of the BLCI, which is now owned and operated by Primelectric company after its sale, is to expire on October 25, 2025.
Cong. Edgardo Chatto presented to the committee meeting the proposed law for the franchise.
“We sponsored today HB 10888 at the House Franchise Committee Hearing with Cong. Vanvan Aumentado & Cong Alexie Tutor as co-authors.”
“The measure seeks to grant Bohol Light Company lnc (BLCI) a franchise to acquire, establish, operate, and maintain, for commercial purposes and in the public interest a distribution system for the conveyance of electric power to end users in Tagbilaran City, Province of Bohol, and ensuring the continuous and uninterrupted supply of electricity in the franchise area,” he said.
BLCI manager Roel Castro, who was also present during the committee meeting, was asked to submit to the committee pertinent documents supporting their franchise application.
Meanwhile, the three solons appeared to be under pressure as the League of Municipalities of the Philippines Bohol Chapter urged them to consider to include their respective turfs to be under the BLCI.
It passed Resolution No. 010-2024, entitled “A resolution earnestly requesting the Bohol congress representatives to include our municipalities in Bohol Light Company Inc. (BLCI) franchise area.”
LMP-Bohol also asked the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to endorse their towns to be under the BLCI franchise area of coverage.
It was not immediately known what would be the reaction of the Bohol Electric Cooperative (BOHECO I & II), now providing service in power distribution business, as regards to the LMP’s move. (rvo)
