Socoteco II consumers urged: Vote in plebiscite, respect outcome

MANILA, Philippines — Members-consumers-owners (MCOs) of the South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative Inc. should participate in the plebiscite on the proposed joint venture agreement (JVA) with Ignite Power and Energy Holdings Inc. as they should be involved in key decision-making matters, a lawmaker said.

In a statement, Saranggani Rep. Steve Chiongbian Solon said that the plebiscite provides MCOs a chance to partake in the crucial steps that will determine the future of power provision in their area.

Socoteco II is facing criticism after its board pushed for a JVA with Ignite Power, despite questions about whether the electric cooperative’s methods in securing the authority for the agreement were even proper.  Calls have been made to suspend the cooperative’s board officials for allegedly acting arbitrarily and for facing criminal and administrative charges.

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READ: Socoteco II plebiscite gets fresh push amid El Niño fears 

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“This is an opportunity to have a direct say in an issue that may shape our power sector and regional development for years to come. The betterment of the population involved should be the main driving force behind this decision,” Solon said on Tuesday.

“Their participation is paramount and whatever outcome they ultimately choose should be respected as an expression of their right and their duty in shaping the future of the communities they call home,” he added. 

Solon said the plebiscite, which will go on to the third weekend this Saturday, is an important exercise of the MCOs’ right to determine the direction of Socoteco II and its services to General Santos City, South Cotabato and Sarangani.

READ: Socoteco II-Ignite Power proposed deal unfazed despite protest

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“(MCOs should) carefully consider the facts, weigh the arguments, and make an informed choice guided by what they believe will best serve the people and areas affected,” he said.

“The eventual result should likewise be respected as an expression of the MCOs’ right and responsibility to help shape the future of Socoteco II and the communities it serves,” he added.

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Several stakeholders have expressed concerns about the proposed JVA between Socoteco II and Ignite.  Last August, South Cotabato Rep. Shirlyn L. Bañas-Nograles filed House Resolution No. 1401 last August, asking the House of Representatives to investigate the proposed agreement and determine whether the supposed arrangement complies with existing laws, rules and regulations.

Bañas-Nograles’ resolution also seeks an assessment of whether the JVA will affect the rights and economic interests of the government and Socoteco’s MCOs.

The lawmaker based her resolution on consumer complaints on the process used by Socoteco II’s board in securing authority for the proposed JVA, with the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Marbel claiming that Resolution No. 104 was declared adopted during the cooperative’s 43rd Annual General Membership Assembly last July 25 without a duly counted vote.

SAC-Marbel also questioned the use of a standing vote without an actual count and called for the deferment of the plebiscite.

Last Aug. 31, Socoteco II officials said that the proposed JVA remains intact despite a recent rally opposing the deal.

Then on Sept. 12, it was reported that the Regional Trial Court in Polomolok, South Cotabato has granted Socoteco’s motion to lift a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the plebiscite for the proposed JVA.

The court order lifted the September 4 TRO, which was initially extended to September 24 — effectively affecting the plebiscite originally scheduled earlier this month.

Aside from Bañas-Nograles, ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio also backed calls for an investigation, saying that he understands the concerns raised by Diocese of Marbel Bishop Cerilo Casicas.

Casicas is one of the two Catholic Church bishops — the other being  Diocese of San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza — who asked Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla to preventively suspend members of Socoteco II’s Board of Directors for pushing for a supposedly questionable agreement.

In their letter to Remulla dated September 8, Casicas and Alminaza asked Remulla to suspend the board members as criminal and administrative charges have already been filed against them.

However, there are also parties supporting the JVA.  On Monday, the General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GSCCCI) called for the immediate resumption of the plebiscite as the power issues may worsen if a strong El Niño hits the country.

GSCCCI said it was “extremely important to have a ‘white knight’” to help the power cooperative address the threat of tight electricity supply.

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“The most expensive electricity is having no electricity at all. Last week, we sent a letter stating the Chamber’s official stance. We called for the plebiscite to proceed first and foremost,” GSCCCI President Miguel Rene Dominguez said in a statement. /mr