The Roman Catholic Diocese of Iligan has expressed support for the rehabilitation and modernization of the Agus-Pulangi Hydroelectric Complex while strongly opposing proposals to privatize the Mindanao power facility.
In a pastoral letter dated May 10, Bishop Jose Rapadas III warned that privatization of the aging hydroelectric system could lead to higher electricity costs and place additional burdens on poor communities.
The diocese also opposed public-private partnership arrangements or similar schemes that could transfer effective control of the power complex to private corporations.
“We firmly oppose any move toward the privatization — direct or indirect — of Agus-Pulangi,” Rapadas said.
“Essential services such as electricity must be governed in a way that serves the common good, not merely private gain,” he added.
The bishop said the Agus-Pulangi complex remains a vital public asset built through the sacrifices and taxes of the Filipino people and has long provided relatively affordable electricity across Mindanao.
“When a basic necessity like power is treated mainly as a commodity rather than as a service for the common good, it is the poor who suffer first and most,” Rapadas said.
Rapadas argued that the hydroelectric system’s current problems stem largely from policy and investment failures rather than inherent inefficiency.
He urged the government to prioritize the repair and modernization of the facilities while maintaining public ownership and accountability.
The bishop also called for stronger governance reforms, including transparency measures, anti-corruption safeguards, modernization investments, and environmental protections to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Agus-Pulangi complex.