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SC upholds MORE Power's expansion in Iloilo with finality

Philippines | Visayas

SC upholds MORE Power's expansion in Iloilo with finality

By Tara Yap

ILOILO CITY – The Supreme Court (SC) has ruled the expansion of MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power) of the Razon Goup into several areas of Iloilo province with finality.

A LINEMAN of MORE Power in Iloilo City. MORE Power is set to expand in Iloilo province. (Tara Yap)

A LINEMAN of MORE Power in Iloilo City. MORE Power is set to expand in Iloilo province. (Tara Yap)

The SC released a resolution dated May 20, 2025 on Friday, June 13,

that junked the motions for reconsideration filed by the three Iloilo Electric Cooperatives – ILECO I, ILECO II, and ILECO III – and the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc. (PHILRECA).

“No substantial arguments were presented to warrant the reversal of the decision,” said the Supreme Court en banc.

The three ILECOs questioned he validity of Republic Act No. 11918 – the law expanding MORE Power franchise from Iloilo City to 15 towns and a component city in Iloilo province. These are still currently operating under ILECOs.

The ILECOs and PHILRECA argued that the expansion of the franchise is unconstitutional and monopolized power in the province.

The call for expansion of MORE Power was made in 2021 following a clamor that there should be cheaper and reliable power utility services in Iloilo province.

“We’re grateful that the Supreme Court has upheld the rule of law and the will of the people,” said MORE Power President and CEO Roel Z. Castro in a statement on Saturday, June 14.

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