Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 4599)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 4599 is to amend Section 1 of Republic Act No. 1610 by granting Negros Electric Power Corporation the right to develop, construct, maintain, and operate hydroelectric power plants and/or thermal units for generating and distributing electric power within the Province of Negros Occidental.
Negros Electric Power Corporation is granted the franchise to develop, construct, maintain, and operate the hydroelectric power plant and/or thermal units subject to the provisions of the Constitution and related laws.
The franchise is granted for a period of twenty-five years from the approval date of Republic Act No. 4599.
The Act authorizes the development and operation of both hydroelectric power plants and thermal units at suitable places.
The franchise covers the Province of Negros Occidental for the distribution and sale of electric power.
The power plant and/or thermal units must be completed within five years from the approval of the Act.
The Public Service Commission has regulatory authority over the schedule of prices and rates for the use of electric current.
The provisions of Republic Act No. 3636, as amended, apply to this Act insofar as they are not inconsistent with this amendment.
The Act took effect immediately upon its approval on June 19, 1965.
The granting of the franchise is subject to the provisions of the Philippine Constitution, ensuring that it complies with constitutional requirements for public utility franchises.