President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to take control of the Siquijor Island Power Corporation (SIPCOR) after its failure to provide reliable electricity service.

In his vlog, the President stressed that ensuring electricity for Filipino communities must take priority over politics. He says the government could not allow inaction while residents continue to suffer.

“Sabi ko, hindi na tayo puwedeng mag-antay. Kawawa ang tao eh. So, sabi ko kunin na natin, tayo na ang magpatakbo,” Marcos said. He instructed NEA and DOE to run SIPCOR’s operations in partnership with the local electric cooperative to restore stable power in the province.

The government also delivered generators and fuel to stabilize electricity supply, giving Siquijor excess capacity while long-term fixes are being developed. Marcos, who personally inspected the site last week, said operations were running smoothly.

Reports that the private power provider may resort to legal measures did not deter the President, who emphasized that his only concern is ensuring electricity for communities. “‘Yung mahalaga sa akin ay magkaroon ng kuryente. So, gagawin ko ang anong kailangan kong gawin para magkaroon ng kuryente,” he said.

Do you think the government’s takeover of SIPCOR will serve as a model for addressing power reliability issues in other parts of the country?

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