Legacion, De Lima file bills torenew Casureco III franchise

By Paulo DS Papa

THIRD District Rep. Nelson Legacion has moved to secure the franchise renewal of the Camarines Sur III Electric Cooperative (CASURECO III), which supplies electricity to the Rinconada area.

Legacion said the cooperative’s management sought his assistance to ensure continued power service in Iriga City and the municipalities of Bula, Baao, Buhi, Bato, Balatan, and Nabua.

He noted that Casureco III had difficulty obtaining support from Rinconada District Rep. Migz Villafuerte, who earlier co-authored House Bill No. 1084 filed on July 4, 2022. The measure, which proposes a franchise for the Bicol Light Power Corporation, remains pending before the House committee on legislative franchises.

Legacion explained that a franchise granted by Congress authorizes an electric cooperative to operate and deliver power within its designated service areas.

On May 22, Legacion announced on social media that he had filed House Bill No. 4478, seeking the renewal of Casureco III’s franchise, together with Partido District Rep. Arnie Fuentebella.

He said he could not turn down the request, citing his roots in Buhi, Camarines Sur.

The lawmaker added that similar bills he filed for CASURECO I and II have already passed second reading at the committee level, and he committed to push for the same progress for Casureco III.

Meanwhile, Leila de Lima, Mamamayang Liberal Party-list representative and a native of Iriga City, has also filed House Bill No. 5132 seeking the renewal of the cooperative’s franchise.