The Commission on Elections (Comelec) and Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power) officially signed on April 7 a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to ensure a stable and uninterrupted power supply during the May 12 elections.
The ceremonial signing, which was held at the Negros Power headquarters in Bacolod City, was led by Provincial Election Supervisor Ian Lee Ananoria and Negros Power president and chief executive officer Roel Castro.
Prior to the MOA signing, Engr. Felgie Magla-oy, systems operation manager of Negros Power, presented the company’s Election Power Readiness Plan, detailing the technical and operational measures in place to ensure reliable electricity service before, during, and after election day.
Under the agreement, Comelec and Negros Power committed to a joint effort to uphold the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring seamless coordination and effective public information dissemination.
The MOA outlines specific responsibilities for both parties in the lead-up to the May 12 polls.
Comelec is committed to providing election-related materials and updates, promoting voter awareness, and supporting transparency and accountability.
Negros Power, in turn, pledged to guarantee the reliability of its power distribution system, conduct proactive maintenance, clear potential obstructions, and deploy personnel to assist Comelec on election day.
The collaboration also enables Comelec information leaflets to be included in Negros Power’s monthly billing statements, potentially reaching around 230,000 customers across the cities of Bacolod, Talisay, Silay, Bago, and the municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto.
“This collaboration strengthens our shared commitment to protect the democratic process and deliver clean, honest, and credible elections,” Ananoria said.
Castro also expressed the company’s commitment to the agreement.
“We are fully prepared to ensure a reliable power supply throughout the entire election period. This is our way of contributing to a secure and credible electoral process,” he said.
The MOA will remain in effect until the successful completion of the 2025 National and Local Elections.
It was also emphasized that there are no budgetary implications for Comelec under the agreement. ||
