Batangas II Electric Cooperative Inc. (Batelec II) has approved a public bidding or Competitive Selection Process (CSP) to review proposals for private sector participation in its power distribution operations.
In a statement, the cooperative said this approach ensures transparency, integrity, and equal opportunity for all interested parties. It has also formed a technical working group to finalize bidding guidelines, making sure these comply with all existing laws.
Batelec II clarified that any deal affecting its assets or franchise will still need approval from its member-consumers through a referendum whenever required by law. The cooperative noted it is setting rules first before seeking partners, to ensure fair evaluation and confirm that private involvement supports—not replaces—cooperative governance. This process will also make any future partnerships legally sound and credible.
Earlier this year, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) expressed interest in partnering with and investing in Batelec II, Batangas I Electric Cooperative, and South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative. Meralco Senior Vice President Arnel Paciano Casanova welcomed the use of competitive bidding, and assured that if selected, the utility would keep local management for the cooperatives.
Meralco’s current franchise covers parts of Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, and three towns in Batangas. Across the Philippines, 121 electric cooperatives serve mostly provincial areas, while 10 other private distributors operate outside Meralco’s coverage.
