Supreme Court Confirms MORE Power Expansion in Iloilo
ILOILO CITY – The Supreme Court has definitively approved the expansion of MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power) across several towns in Iloilo province. This ruling ends the legal challenges against the expansion under the exact 4-word keyphrase: MORE Power expansion Iloilo province.
On June 13, the Supreme Court en banc released a resolution dated May 20, 2025, dismissing the motions for reconsideration filed by the three Iloilo Electric Cooperatives—ILECO I, ILECO II, and ILECO III—as well as the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc. (PHILRECA). “No substantial arguments were presented to warrant the reversal of the decision,” the Court declared.
ILECOs and PHILRECA Challenge MORE Power Expansion
The three ILECOs contested the constitutionality of Republic Act No. 11918, the law that extended MORE Power’s franchise beyond Iloilo City to include 15 towns and a component city within Iloilo province. These areas are currently served by the ILECOs.
The ILECOs and PHILRECA claimed the expansion was unconstitutional and would create a power monopoly in the province. However, the Supreme Court found their arguments insufficient to overturn the franchise expansion.
Background and Public Demand for MORE Power Expansion
The push for MORE Power expansion started in 2021, driven by public demand for more affordable and reliable electricity services in Iloilo province. Local leaders and communities echoed the need for a stronger power provider to address their energy concerns.
MORE Power President and CEO Roel Z. Castro expressed gratitude following the ruling. “We’re grateful that the Supreme Court has upheld the rule of law and the will of the people,” he said in a statement on June 14.
This decision marks a significant milestone for energy services in Iloilo, promising enhanced power distribution and competitive rates for consumers outside Iloilo City.
For more news and updates on MORE Power expansion Iloilo province, visit Filipinokami.com.