PhilRECA Partylist

05/08/2026

IN PHOTOS: PhilRECA Party-list Rep. Presley De Jesus participates in today's House Committee on Energy hearing. The panel is reviewing vital House Resolutions on power rate adjustments, pass-through charges, off-grid electrification, consumer safeguards, and EPIRA reforms.

05/08/2026

𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗘𝗘 𝗢𝗡 𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗘 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖 𝗖𝗢𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦

QUEZON CITY — In a major victory for rural electrification and member-consumer-owners across the country, the House Committee on Legislative Franchises, chaired by Hon. Jeffrey Ferrer, formally approved the franchise applications for four key electric cooperatives during its hearing on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

The committee gave its green light to the legislative franchises of Cotabato Electric Cooperative, Inc. (COTELCO), Tarlac II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (TARELCO II), Sorsogon II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SORECO II), and Negros Oriental II Electric Cooperative (NORECO II), ensuring the continuous, stable, and reliable delivery of electric power distribution services in their respective coverage areas.

Power Bloc representatives, PhilRECA Party-list Rep. Presley C. De Jesus and APEC Party-list Rep. Sergio C. Dagooc, spearheaded the filing and authorship of these critical measures, reaffirming their steadfast commitment to protecting electric cooperatives and securing power security for millions of Filipino households.

For COTELCO, the committee approved consolidated measures House Bill No. 2917, authored by Reps. Sergio C. Dagooc, Presley C. De Jesus, and Rudy S. Caoagdan, and House Bill No. 2918, authored by Reps. Ma. Alana Samantha Taliño Santos, Edwin L. Cruzado, and Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza. The approved franchise covers Kidapawan City and eleven municipalities across Cotabato Province, including Antipas, Arakan, Banisilan, Carmen, Kabacan, Magpet, Makilala, Matalam, M'lang, President Roxas, and Tulunan.

The franchise application for TARELCO II was likewise approved through House Bill No. 10272, joint-authored by Rep. Presley C. De Jesus and Rep. Sergio C. Dagooc. This measure ensures the long-term operations of TARELCO II in serving end-users across the municipalities of Concepcion, Bamban, Capas, and La Paz in Tarlac, as well as the municipality of Zaragoza in Nueva Ecija.

For SORECO II, the committee approved House Bill No. 862, principally authored by Rep. Presley C. De Jesus. The franchise secures the distribution network for Sorsogon City and the municipalities of Donsol, Pilar, Castilla, Gubat, Prieto Diaz, and Barcelona in the province of Sorsogon.

Following continuing deliberations, the committee also approved the grant of franchise for NORECO II, consolidating House Bill No. 9522, authored by Rep. Sergio C. Dagooc and Rep. Presley C. De Jesus, alongside House Bill No. 9815, authored by Rep. Ma. Isabel L. Sagarbarria, and House Bill No. 9883, authored by Rep. Janice Degamo. The approved measure safeguards power distribution services across Dumaguete, Tanjay, and Bayawan Cities, as well as twelve municipalities in Negros Oriental, including Pamplona, Amlan, San Jose, Sibulan, Valencia, Bacong, Dauin, Zamboanguita, Siaton, Sta. Catalina, and Basay.

The approved franchise bills will now move forward to the House Plenary for second and third readings as Congress pushes to finalize legislation that empowers non-profit, service-oriented electric cooperatives nationwide.

The Power Bloc remains true in its mandate to vigorously push for the passage of these critical franchise measures through plenary deliberations, ensuring that electric cooperatives across the country receive strong legislative backing to protect their non-profit, service-oriented mandate and guarantee reliable, affordable electricity for every rural community.

05/08/2026

𝗥𝗘𝗣. 𝗗𝗘 𝗝𝗘𝗦𝗨𝗦 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗦 𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗢 𝗠𝗢𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗭𝗘 𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗦𝗘 𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗬, 𝗘𝗡𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗦𝗢𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗥𝗦

PhilRECA Party-list Rep. Presley C. De Jesus on Tuesday, August 4, sponsored House Bill No. 9386 before the House Committee on Games and Amusements, seeking to reconstitute the Philippine Racing Commission into the Philippine Racing Corporation (PHILRACOR).

In his sponsorship speech, De Jesus emphasized that after more than five decades under Presidential Decree No. 420, the regulatory framework governing the Philippine horse racing industry must be updated to address modern standards in regulation, revenue management, animal welfare, and worker protection.

"After more than five decades, its legal and institutional framework must be updated to address present concerns involving regulation, revenue management, industry development, animal welfare, and worker protection."

De Jesus explained that HB 9386 establishes PHILRACOR as a government-owned or -controlled corporation (GOCC) with an original charter, serving as the primary regulatory and developmental authority for horse racing and other authorized animal racing.

He highlighted that the measure goes beyond administrative reorganization by institutionalizing social protections for jockeys and horse trainers through the Jockeys and Horse Trainers Injury, Disability and Death Compensation Fund.

"The measure also strengthens social protection for jockeys and horse trainers, who face serious occupational risks. It institutionalizes the Jockeys and Horse Trainers Injury, Disability and Death Compensation Fund to provide financial assistance, medical and hospitalization benefits, disability compensation, death benefits, and other welfare support."

The bill also places the National Stud Farm under PHILRACOR to align horse breeding, genetic improvement, veterinary care, and racehorse development with industry modernization, while ensuring transparent revenue management.

During the initial deliberation, which also covered Privilege Speech No. 304 delivered by De Jesus on June 1, 2026, House members and industry stakeholders expressed strong support for the proposed measure.

Following the presentation, Committee Chairman Rep. Antonio Ferrer of the 6th District of Cavite moved to create a Technical Working Group (TWG) to consolidate and further discuss the bill. Rep. Caloy Bolilia of the 4th District of Batangas was designated to head the TWG.

04/08/2026

𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗜𝗢𝗥𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗡 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Nearly 200 Lineworkers representing Electric Cooperatives across the country gathered at the House of Representatives Monday, August 3, 2026, for a monumental 2026 National Lineworkers Appreciation Day celebration hosted by the Power Bloc. The pre-plenary program brought together legislative champions, sector leaders, and front-line energy workers to pay tribute to the "Sundalo ng Pailaw"—the unsung heroes who put their lives on the line to keep electricity flowing to every corner of the archipelago.

The program featured powerful messages from key sector leaders and advocates. PHILRECA General Manager and Executive Director Atty. Janeene Depay-Colingan highlighted the deep, personal sacrifices of lineworkers and praised their unwavering commitment. She emphasized that true recognition goes beyond plaques and applause, requiring concrete policies for safer workplaces, better equipment, and continuous support for EC workers.

Speaking on behalf of House Speaker Bojie Dy III, Senior Deputy Speaker Ferdinand L. Hernandez delivered a message lauding energy as the bedrock of national progress, while reaffirming the House's commitment to supporting policies that safeguard the welfare, safety, and dignity of line workers.

United Lineworkers Association of the Philippines (ULAP) President Rionell Dela Cruz delivered a passionate and historic message calling his fellow lineworkers the true pillars of national progress who bring light and hope to every Filipino family under scorching sun, deep night, or heavy storms. He recognized the daily perils they face and announced that ULAP has officially submitted a position paper and key policy proposals to the Power Bloc in Congress. These proposals aim to secure mandatory insurance, adequate benefits, and the establishment of a Lineman Training Academy to elevate safety standards and skills. Reminding his peers that they carry the nation's future and progress in their hands, he urged everyone to stay safe and united in their service.

PhilRECA Party-list Rep. Presley C. De Jesus expressed deep gratitude to the country’s lineworkers, noting that their work carries immense risk—often leaving home with "half a foot in the grave". He assured them that the Power Bloc will relentlessly continue to push for legislative measures, including institutionalized appreciation days and mandatory protective coverage, as they did in the previous congresses.

APEC Party-list Rep. Sergio C. Dagooc, himself a former lineman, brought emotional depth to the gathering as he recalled his own days climbing power poles, underscoring that no one understands the danger, sweat, and sacrifice of the job better than those who have lived it.

Also adding strength and solidarity to the gathering was ROMELCO General Manager Engr. Rene Fajilagutan, who showed his staunch support.

Following the pre-plenary gathering, the delegates were ushered into the House Plenary Hall, where Power Bloc Representatives delivered impassioned privilege speeches to place the nation's lineworkers at the very center of congressional honor.

In a compelling speech titled “Powering Progress: The Indispensable Role of Lineworkers in National Development,” Rep. Presley C. De Jesus framed lineworkers as the true front-liners of rural development and national energy security. He highlighted the crucial role played by Task Force Kapatid—the embodiment of Bayanihan where lineworkers leave their own families behind after severe typhoons to restore power in devastated provinces. He emphasized that energy security is not just about building power plants, but about ensuring power safely reaches every Filipino home.

"If electricity is the lifeblood of modern society, our Electric Cooperatives are the arteries that carry it to the farthest reaches of our archipelago — and our lineworkers are the heartbeat that keeps it flowing."

In an emotional address titled “Warriors of Light: Honoring the Courage and Sacrifices of Our Line Workers,” Rep. Sergio C. Dagooc called on the nation to recognize heroes who wear safety belts and hard hats instead of military uniforms. Recalling his own journey, he reminded the plenary that before serving in Congress, he climbed power poles as a lineman.

"Bago ako naging Kongresista... Bago ako tumayo sa plenaryong ito... AKO PO AY ISANG LINEMAN. Habang ang karamihan sa atin ay naghahanap ng Liwanag — kayo ang lumilikha nito."

Rep. Dagooc stressed that appreciation must go beyond photos and applause. He detailed key legislative priorities championed by the Power Bloc, beginning with establishing National Lineworkers Appreciation Day as an institutionalized annual event for recognition, skill upgrades, and safety training. The Power Bloc is also pushing for mandatory employer-funded life, accident, and disability insurance covering lineworkers, drivers, and crew members, as well as extended insurance and medical coverage under Task Force Kapatid during emergency deployments.

The event concluded with a renewed pledge from the Power Bloc to champion the rights, health, safety, and economic security of all electric cooperative workers.

To all our lineworkers, our Warriors of Light—Salamat sa inyong tapang, malasakit, at walang katapusang serbisyo sa bayan!

Mabuhay ang mga Sundalo ng Pailaw!

04/08/2026

Dahil hindi sasapat ang salitang 'salamat,' patuloy nating ipaglalaban ang mas ligtas na paglilingkod na may nararapat na proteksyon sa ilalim ng batas.

Saludo kami sa inyo, aming mga Lineworkers, mga Sundalo ng Pailaw!

2026 National Lineworkers Appreciation Day
House of Representatives, Quezon City

03/08/2026

𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗗! 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖 𝗠𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗦!

Good news, Electric Cooperatives nationwide! Due to insistent public demand, we are giving your team more time to perfect your choreography and light up the stage!

The official deadline for the PhilRECA Electric Dreams Dance Showdown 2026 is extended to AUGUST 14, 2026!

For the full contest mechanics, check link in the comments section below:

03/08/2026

𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛: In his privilege speech delivered today, August 3, 2026, Rep. Presley C. De Jesus honored the true heartbeats of rural electrification—our Warriors of Light. From scaling towering poles to braving severe storms through Task Force Kapatid, our lineworkers stand as indispensable frontliners of national development, disaster response, and community resilience.

03/08/2026

𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥 𝗕𝗟𝗢𝗖 𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗕𝗔𝗬 𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗡 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗔 𝗦𝗔 𝗠𝗔𝗦 𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗦 𝗡𝗔 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗞𝗦𝗬𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗔 𝗠𝗚𝗔 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗥𝗦

Quezon City — Sa pagdiriwang ng National Lineworkers Appreciation Day (NLAD), pinangunahan ng Power Bloc ang isang makabuluhang paggunita sa Kongreso bilang pagkilala sa kabayanihan at mahalagang ambag ng mga lineworkers sa pagpapanatili ng maaasahang serbisyo ng kuryente sa buong bansa.

Bilang bahagi ng pagdiriwang, nagbigay ng privilege speeches sina APEC Party-List Rep. Sergio C. Dagooc at PhilRECA Party-List Rep. Presley C. De Jesus, upang parangalan ang mga magigiting nating Warriors of Light—mga lineworkers na araw-araw na humaharap sa panganib upang maibalik at mapanatili ang suplay ng kuryente sa mga tahanan, negosyo, at komunidad, lalo na sa panahon ng kalamidad at sakuna.

Sa kanyang talumpati, binigyang-diin ni Rep. Dagooc na ang mga lineworker ay kabilang sa mga hindi madalas mapansin ngunit hindi matatawaran ang ambag sa pag-unlad ng bansa.

“Hindi nila tinatanong kung gaano kahirap o gaano kapanganib. Kusang-loob lang silang tumutugon sa tawag ng serbisyo,” ani Rep. Dagooc.

Samantala, iginiit naman ni Rep. De Jesus na ang tagumpay ng rural electrification program ay hindi magiging posible kung wala ang mga lineworker na walang pagod na nagsisilbi sa mga electric cooperative at mga mamamayan.

“Ang bawat poste na kanilang inaakyat at bawat linya na kanilang inaayos ay sumasalamin sa kanilang dedikasyon sa paglilingkod. Sila ang mga tahimik na bayani ng sektor ng elektripikasyon,” ayon kay Rep. De Jesus.

Binigyang-diin ng Power Bloc na napakahalaga ng papel ng mga lineworker sa nation-building at sa patuloy na pag-unlad ng bansa. Kung kaya nangangailangang higit pang paigtingin ang mga batas at programang magtitiyak sa kanilang kapakanan, seguridad, kabuhayan, at propesyonal na pag-unlad bilang pagkilala sa kanilang hindi matatawarang serbisyo sa sambayanan.

Samantala, nakiisa din ang Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (PHILRECA) sa isang espesyal na pagtitipon sa Kongreso na dinaluhan ng 175 lineworkers mula sa iba't ibang panig ng bansa bilang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng National Lineworkers Appreciation Day.

Nagbigay ng inspirasyonal na mensahe bilang panauhing pandangal si Speaker Boji Dy III. Sa kanyang mensahe, kinilala niya ang dedikasyon at sakripisyo ng mga lineworker na nagsisilbing haligi ng patuloy na pag-unlad ng mga komunidad sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng maaasahang serbisyo ng elektrisidad.

Ang pagdiriwang ay nagsilbing pagpapatibay ng sama-samang paninindigan ng Power Bloc, PHILRECA, at ng buong sektor ng elektripikasyon na patuloy na isulong ang mga programang magpapalakas sa kapakanan ng mga lineworker. Higit sa isang simpleng pagkilala, ang National Lineworkers Appreciation Day ay nagsisilbing paalala na ang mga tunay na bayani ng sektor ng enerhiya ay nararapat lamang na mabigyan ng sapat na proteksyon, pagkilala, at suporta.

Sa bawat ilaw na muling sumisindi matapos ang bagyo, sa bawat komunidad na muling nagkakaroon ng kuryente, at sa bawat pamilyang napaglilingkuran, nananatiling buhay ang diwa ng serbisyo at sakripisyo ng ating mga Warriors of Light—mga bayaning patuloy na nagbibigay-liwanag sa kinabukasan ng sambayanang Pilipino.

03/08/2026

03/08/2026

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

Ngayong National Lineworkers Appreciation Day, sama-sama nating parangalan ang ating mga Warriors of Light—ang mga lineworkers na walang sawang nagsisilbi upang matiyak na may ligtas, maaasahan, at tuloy-tuloy na suplay ng kuryente sa ating komunidad.

Bilang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ito, malugod na tinanggap ng Power Bloc sa Kongreso ang ating mga lineworker para kilalanin ang kanilang dedikasyon, katapangan, at walang kapantay na serbisyo sa sambayanang Pilipino.

Mabuhay ang ating mga lineworkers—mga bayaning laging handang tumugon, umakyat, at magsakripisyo para manatiling may liwanag ang bawat tahanan. ⚡