By I. Inojales | 03:48 PM February 01, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — Power utility firm Bohol Light Company Inc. has clarified issues surrounding the recent disconnection of electricity service affecting several households in Barangay San Isidro, Tagbilaran City, following concerns raised on social media.
In an official statement on Sunday, Bohol Light said the affected households were found to be using illegal or so-called “flying” connections, which are prohibited under existing laws due to safety and security risks to both users and the surrounding community.
The company said verification with community leaders showed that the 15 households involved are no longer recognized members of the Urban Poor Association, with their memberships having ended in 2016, 2020, and 2023.
Bohol Light cited the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers and Republic Act No. 7832, or the Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994, which classify unauthorized tapping of power lines as theft of electricity. Under the law, any connection made without the consent or authority of the utility is illegal.
The utility explained that its electrification program for informal settlers is intended only for duly certified Urban Poor members endorsed by their association leaders and cleared of any obligations.
Qualified members are then allowed to apply for individual and legal electricity connections.
Since the program began, Bohol Light said most eligible households have successfully transitioned to individual connections. However, five households failed to comply due to incomplete certification from their association leadership, which the company said is beyond its control.
The firm also disclosed that some of the affected households had extended electricity to non-members, prompting the termination of the “mother meter” to prevent further power pilferage.
Bohol Light noted that multiple meetings and reminders were conducted by the association prior to the disconnection, but compliance was reportedly refused.
Bohol Light reiterated its commitment to providing safe, fair, and legal access to electricity, stressing that rules and laws must be applied consistently to protect community welfare.
The company encouraged affected residents to coordinate with their association leaders and Bohol Light’s customer service team for guidance on compliance and proper application for legal power connections.
