THE National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the former Board of Directors of the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative Inc. (Zamcelco) are facing graft charges before the Office of the Ombudsman.
The National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms Inc. (Nasecore)-Zamboanga City Chapter, together with two homeowners associations of Zamboanga City, have filed a complaint against the NEA and Zamcelco officials for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act in the alleged anomalous procurement of the Investment Management Contract (IMC) approved by the NEA.
In a 14 page consolidated complaint-affidavit filed on February 6, Nasecore Zamboanga City Chapter President Marissa E. Aizon, together with W.S. Mountain View Homeowners Association Inc., represented by its president, Ma. Cecilia C. Fernandez, and Josephine C. Bensali, president of the Capok Village Homeowners Association Inc., alleged that the NEA approved the award of the IMC to bidder Crown Holdings despite their knowledge of irregularities in the bidding process that violate NEA rules and issuances.
The case was filed against NEA Administrator Edgardo Masongsong, NEA board members Rene M. Gonzales, Alipio Cirilo Badelles, Department of Energy Undersecretary and NEA alternate chairman, Felix William B. Fuentebella and the Zamcelco Board.
Complainants alleged that despite their knowledge of the irregularities committed by the Zamcelco Board of Directors in the bidding process, the NEA Board still approved the IMC, thus, giving undue advantage and preference to the declared bidder to the prejudice of the member-consumers of the electric cooperative (EC).
The complaint also charged the NEA officials with gross misconduct for their blatant disregard of their duties as regulators of ECs by refusing to ensure that all transactions and actions of ECs are aboveboard and in accordance with law, regulations and issuances.
Aizon also charged Masongsong for alleged violation of Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees for refusing to act on her letter-request.
NEA officials and Fuentebella said they have yet to receive a copy of the complaint.