Senate Reviews Franchise Applications of Bohol Light

by JOMER PEQUIT

The Senate Committee on Public Services, chaired by Senator Raffy Tulfo, convened a hearing on March 18, 2026, to deliberate on franchise renewal of Bohol Light Company Inc.

Presenting the companies’ performances was Mr. Roel Z. Castro, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bohol Light, who detailed operational improvements and the justifications behind the legislative requests.

Bohol Light: Post-Acquisition Gains

Primelectric Holdings entered Bohol Light in late 2024, acquiring a 70% stake from the Salcon Power Group. The provincial government of Bohol retains the remaining 30% ownership.

Since the takeover, Mr. Castro has reported several operational advancements, including expanding the customer base by over 1,000 households, particularly in low-load areas.

The company also streamlined payment processes by accepting payments at the barangay level in Tagbilaran City and reduced the documentary requirements for new applicants to just 4 items.

Mr. Castro noted that the company has retained 100% of its workforce while enhancing employee benefits to include health insurance and a fourteenth-month pay.

During the said hearing, government agencies provided a largely compliant assessment of the utilities' operation:

· Department of Energy (DOE): Found reportorial and other requirements to be in order, but indicated it would submit additional provisions for regulatory layers.

· Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC): Confirmed compliance with performance, system reliability, system loss, and power quality standards.

· Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR): Verified regular tax filing and payment with no open cases.

· Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): Stated the company is compliant with reporting requirements and will submit an official position paper.

· Philippine Competition Commission (PCC): Raised no objections and submitted its position paper.

· Commission on Audit (COA): Maintained a neutral stance but emphasized the necessity of provisions ensuring full audit access, transparency, financial disclosure, and accountability.

· Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE): Had no objection, noting no labor inspection coverage and no records of pending labor standard cases.

Following presentations and a review by various government agencies, the bill was referred to a technical working group (TWG) for further consideration.

The Committee will continue to review the proposed measure, incorporating agency recommendations and further refining provisions before the bill further advance in the Senate legislative process.