The Department of Energy (DOE) vehemently stated that it will not meddle with the legal dispute between the Panay Electric Co. (PECO) and MORE Electric and Power Corp, (MORE) over power distribution privileges in Iloilo City.
“It is up to the courts. The decision is with the judiciary. The DOE can only monitor and make sure power will not be cut off to consumers,” DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella was quoted as saying in a Manila Bulletin report.
To recall, MORE Power obtained a congressional franchise to distribute power in Iloilo City in February 2019. But since then, the energy firm could not technically operate as it did not own a single facility in the city. Instead, it is now caught in a legal battle with PECO to acquire its assets and facilities.
PECO, on the other hand, continues to operate despite an expired franchise.
“If there’s a transition, the DOE will make sure it will be smooth,” Fuentebella said in the report.
The legal battle between MORE Power and PECO has reached the Supreme Court.