Marcos orders investigation into SIPCOR over power outages

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. has ordered a full investigation into Siquijor Island Power Cooperative (SIPCOR) due to ongoing power outages in the province.

Marcos met with outgoing Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and Acting Secretary Sharon Garin to address the situation, as per Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, who also announced that the ERC would issue a show cause order against SIPCOR amid the crisis.

The President instructed relevant agencies to act swiftly and called for a thorough investigation of SIPCOR after inspecting its power plant in Siquijor, noting that a generator set sent by SIPCOR was reportedly not functioning properly.

The provincial government of Siquijor has declared a state of calamity due to worsening power outages, enabling access to its Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) Quick Response Fund (QRF).

Provincial Board Member Brylle Deeiah Tumarong-Quio cited the recommendation from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council during a May 29 meeting, noting critical power shortages affecting electricity supply across Siquijor.

SIPCOR is currently implementing corrective measures to address technical issues with its generator sets and expects to complete repairs within the day.