QUEZON CITY — The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered top officials of the National Electrification Administration and the South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative to answer criminal graft charges in connection with the cooperative’s proposed joint venture agreement with Ignite Power and Energy Holdings Inc.
In a joint order dated Oct. 5, the anti-graft agency directed NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano C. Almeda, Deputy Administrator Omar M. Mayo, and members of the SOCOTECO II board of directors to submit their counter-affidavits within a nonextendible period of 15 days upon receipt.
The respondents face criminal complaints for allegedly violating Section 3(e) and Section 3(g) of Republic Act No. 3019, also known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The cases stem from complaints filed by General Santos City residents and electric cooperative consumers led by Eduardo Villaluz Corteciano and Napoleon M. Belleza.
Also named as respondents in the joint order are technical consultant Rowaldo D. Del Mundo, project supervisor Ivan Darwin Zamora, executive officer Nollie B. Alamillo, and independent director Emerico Escobillo.
The order further names SOCOTECO II board members Elenito C. Senit, Patrict S. Yap, Peter Jayson A. Acharon, Jessie F. Alaban, Musa N. Mang, Aniceto G. Baculna, Leyne S. Alferez, Mae V. Mendoza, Cherry Joie Lima-Ponce, and Ben B. Advincula.
Issued by preliminary investigation officer Leilani P. Tagulao-Marquez pursuant to Republic Act No. 6770, the order prohibits procedural delays.
"No motion to dismiss or bill of particulars, or other dilatory motions shall be entertained," Tagulao-Marquez stated in the order.
Complainants have five days from receipt of the counter-affidavits to file a reply.
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