The Northern Davao Electric Cooperative Inc. (Nordeco) is refusing to back down from its claim over its franchise area in Davao, as it continues operations while pursuing legal remedies, according to Philstar Biz .
The cooperative is challenging the jurisdiction and validity of a competing franchise that threatens its service area in the Davao region. Nordeco maintains that its existing legislative franchise remains in effect and that it has the exclusive right to serve its member-consumers.
Legal experts say the case could set a precedent for how franchise disputes between electric cooperatives and private utilities are resolved in Mindanao. The Energy Regulatory Commission and the National Electrification Administration are expected to weigh in on the matter.