• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The extension of a plebiscite by electric cooperative member consumers, for the ratification of the Joint Venture Agreement signed by Central Negros Electric Cooperative and Primelectric Holdings Incorporated, from four days to a maximum of eight days, has been recommended by Ceneco acting general manager Atty. Arnel Lapore.
Lapore said they are now seeking the legal opinion of the Commission on Elections if there is a conflict on their rules and regulations if they will extend the plebiscite period.
The Comelec will be holding the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on October 30, with the campaign period to start August 28.
Lapore yesterday said that they are proposing an extension of JVA plebiscite from two to four days, in order to give member consumers a wider and bigger opportunity to participate in the plebiscite, noting the passive attitude of electric cooperative members on Ceneco activities.
The JVA plebiscite scheduled on June 24 and 25, and July 1 and 2.
For the JVA to be approved, its needs the concurrence of 50 percent plus one from Ceneco’s 210,000 member consumers.
For the proposed extension dates of the JVA plebiscite, Lapore said it could be the same pattern, on a Saturday and Sunday, following the July 1 and 2 period.
He also brushed aside personal attacks against him and those who favor the JVA.
For so long our conscience is clear, what we are doing is within the bounds of law, and for the best interest of our member consumers, I would still respect their opinions on any issue, Lapore said.
PrimeElectric Holdings Inc. and Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC), sister companies of MORE Power owned by business tycoon Enrique Razon, recently signed the JVA with Ceneco.
On the other hand, Ceneco employees will be given first priority in the hiring of personnel for the joint venture company, according to MORE Power and NEPC president Roel Castro.
The assurance was made by Castro during a recent dialog with Ceneco employees, also attended by Lapore, according to Jonathan Cabrera, MORE Power media officer.
“They just need to apply (to show their willingness) and pass the hiring process. They will be trained and oriented to the consumer-centric mindset and culture of NEPC,” Cabrera said.
With regards to their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), separation and retirement payments, Cabrera said it will be the obligation of CENECO.
He said the funds will come from the P1.7 billion cash payment of MORE Power, for 70 percent of their distribution assets, valued at P2.4 billion.*
