Marcos orders probe into Siquijor electric co-op amid power crisis

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has directed an investigation into the operations of the Siquijor Island Power Cooperative (SIPCOR). 

According to Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro, outgoing Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and officer-in-charge Undersecretary Sharon Garin were already summoned to resolve the power situation in Siquijor province.

Short-term and long-term solutions are being enforced to address the power crisis in the area, Castro said. 

The provincial government of Siquijor through its Sangguniang Panlalawigan has declared a state of calamity due to the worsening power crisis.

The approved resolution will empower the Provincial Government of Siquijor to access its Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF), specifically the Quick Response Fund (QRF), to implement immediate interventions.

Provincial Board Member Brylle Deeiah Tumarong-Quio said the declaration was based on the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) during its 2nd Quarter Meeting presided by Governor Jake Vincent Villa  on May 29, 2025, following "widespread and prolonged power outages attributed to the breakdown of several power generation units operated by the Siquijor Island Power Corporation (SIPCOR)."

“The situation has led to a critical shortfall of approximately 2,250KW, severely affecting electricity supply across the province," she said. 

Meanwhile, Castro said Marcos is also monitoring the situation at San Juanico Bridge, which will be rehabilitated. 

Authorities said the restrictions on San Juanico Bridge could result in up to P600 million monthly economic losses as 14,000 vehicles cross the infrastructure daily. — BM, GMA Integrated News