GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Opposition to the proposed joint venture agreement between South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative and Ignite Power intensified Wednesday as church leaders called for a boycott of next month's plebiscite, citing procedural flaws.
Speaking at an Aug. 26 press conference, Rev. Reynaldo Mission, parish priest of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, urged member-consumer-owners to abstain from the referendum, which would transfer majority control of the electric utility to Ignite Power.
"We really stand for a boycott. We do not want to participate in a fraudulent process," Mission said.
Mission argued the plebiscite lacks legal standing, stating the motion authorizing the vote was never submitted for approval during the cooperative's Annual General Membership Assembly.
Ignite Power Information Officer Jonathan Cabrera defended the proceedings, stating the company followed all required protocols and rejecting claims that the deal is being rushed. Cabrera added that public opposition remains a natural part of the democratic process.
The boycott movement comes as a broader coalition of religious leaders and civic groups prepares for an ecumenical prayer rally and candle-lighting event on Saturday, Aug. 29, at Plaza Heneral Santos to demand transparency from the cooperative.
(Photo by Neil Nathan Lopez/The Voice Publication)
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