GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Bantay Kuryente Movement (BKM) accused the Board of Directors of the South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO II) of plotting a "private takeover" without consumer consent during a city council session Tuesday.
Edmundo Cejar, BKM spokesperson and co-convenor, told the 21st Sangguniang Panlungsod during its 32nd regular session that the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the cooperative's board are allegedly bypassing member-consumer-owners (MCOs) regarding the utility’s future.
"In our honest conclusion, NEA and the board is plotting a private takeover behind the back of MCOs," Cejar said, adding that the group aims to dismantle what he described as an "infrastructure of deception" through its advocacy.
The presentation highlighted several grievances, including high systems losses, lack of consumer awareness regarding ownership rights, and an allegedly illegal deal with Ignite Power.
Cejar warned that if the "illegal award" is allowed to stand, consumers will face the consequences for the next 25 years.
According to Cejar, the cooperative's board initially refused to release financial documents and information regarding privatization talks.
BKM only received financial statements for 2022 through 2024 after filing a complaint with the NEA, which subsequently ordered the board to comply.
"The board is not ready to cooperate with us while we are asking what MCOs are legally entitled to," Cejar said. He noted that a March 11 briefing provided by the cooperative failed to address the entity's "real problems."
The movement is calling for a "reset" of the cooperative’s processes to ensure transparency.
Cejar outlined three potential paths for the utility: maintaining its current status, converting into a Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) cooperative, or privatization.
The Regional Development Council-12 (RDC-12) has already conducted a formal inquiry into the matter following the group's persistent requests for transparency.
BKM urged the RDC-12 and the Sangguniang Panlungsod to coordinate with the NEA and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to appoint a reputable external auditor.
The group proposed a comprehensive financial, operational, and technical audit to determine the cooperative's true status, alongside the formation of an independent committee to oversee any transition.
Cejar emphasized that any transition must involve proper supervision to ensure adherence to the law and the will of the consumers.
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