SC clears way for Davao Light expansion in Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro

The Supreme Court has denied Northern Davao Electric Cooperative, Inc.'s (Nordeco) motion for reconsideration, clearing the way for Davao Light and Power Co. to expand operations into parts of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro under Republic Act No. 12144, BusinessWorld reported.

Davao Light is the distribution utility unit of Aboitiz Power Corp. (AboitizPower), a major player in the Philippine power industry. The case stemmed from a franchise dispute over service areas in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.

With the denial of Nordeco's motion, the SC ruling becomes final and executory, allowing Davao Light to proceed with its expansion plans. The decision also clarifies the boundaries between the cooperative and the utility, which could affect power supply and service reliability in the region.