Clergy Urge Ombudsman to Suspend South Cotabato Electric Co-op Execs Over JVA Concerns

MANILA, Philippines — Two bishops from the Catholic Church have asked Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla to preventively suspend members of the South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (Socoteco II) Board of Directors for proposing a supposedly questionable agreement with a private firm. In their letter to Remulla dated Sept. 8 and sent to the media on The clergy members cited concerns over a joint venture agreement (JVA) that Socoteco II is proposing with a private company, which they believe warrants a thorough investigation. They are urging the Ombudsman to take immediate action to prevent any potential misconduct or further irregularities. Socoteco II is a key provider of electricity to South Cotabato province and its surrounding areas. Allegations of impropriety in its dealings could have significant implications for the reliability of power supply and the trust placed in the cooperative by its members and the public. The Ombudsman's office is expected to review the letter and initiate an inquiry into the matter. A preventive suspension is a measure taken to ensure the integrity of an investigation, particularly when there is a risk of evidence tampering or continued wrongdoing. This situation underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of public utilities and cooperatives across the Philippines. The public will be looking to the Ombudsman for a swift and impartial resolution. Inquirer NewsInfo