Catholic bishops have joined the growing calls for a closer review of a proposed power agreement between the South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO II) and Ignite Power and Energy Holdings.
In a letter dated September 1 and addressed to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, Diocese of Marbel Bishop Cerilo Casicas and Diocese of San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza asked for the preventive suspension of SOCOTECO II board members who are facing complaints related to the proposed joint venture agreement (JVA).
The bishops said the situation has reached what they described as a “profound governance crisis,” citing alleged irregularities and concerns over whether proper procedures were followed in approving the proposed deal.
Their appeal comes as SOCOTECO II prepares to hold a plebiscite on the proposed agreement this month. The plebiscite is expected to give electricity consumers and cooperative members an opportunity to express their views on the deal.
The bishops warned that allowing board members facing complaints to remain in their positions while the investigation is ongoing could pose risks to the cooperative.
“Allowing them to remain in office while investigations proceed poses a continuous threat to cooperative assets, institutional records, and the free expression of consumer will,” the bishops said in their letter.
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The religious leaders also asked to meet with the Ombudsman to discuss concerns raised by communities that they said are already struggling with high electricity costs and unreliable power service.
The bishops emphasized that their position is based on their concern for communities that could be affected by the proposed agreement.
“As a shepherd of the faithful who will bear the impacts of high electricity prices and unreliable service if this JVA proposal from Ignite Power gets approved, we stand with our communities in upholding transparency, integrity, and the rule of law,” they said.
The involvement of the two dioceses follows their participation in efforts opposing the proposed power deal. In late August, church groups and other community members joined a peaceful protest questioning the conduct and scheduling of the SOCOTECO II plebiscite.
The bishops’ intervention adds the Catholic Church’s voice to the growing debate over the proposed joint venture.
At the center of the dispute are concerns about whether the agreement would lead to better and more reliable electricity service without placing an additional financial burden on consumers.
Supporters and critics of the proposal are expected to closely watch the upcoming plebiscite, which could play an important role in determining the future of the proposed partnership.
The Ombudsman received the bishops’ letter on September 8. However, as of the latest available update, there has been no reported action on their requests for preventive suspension or a meeting with the Ombudsman.
The controversy is likely to remain a major issue for SOCOTECO II consumers as the plebiscite approaches, particularly among communities concerned about electricity prices, service reliability, and transparency in the cooperative’s decision-making process.
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