Senator Win Gatchalian said issues of corruption cause reputational damage to certain electric cooperatives (ECs) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) must ensure integrity in the management of such ECs.
“Issues of corruption hounding certain ECs cause consumers to lose their confidence in the ECs concerned. Such a situation negatively impacts operations to the detriment of consumer welfare,” Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian’s statement follows recurring complaints that certain EC executives are allegedly enriching themselves at the expense of their respective EC’s financial and operational viability which results in poor services.
“Kailangang bantayan natin ang pamamahala ng mga electric coop dahil hindi matutugunan nang maayos ang pangangailangan sa kuryente ng ating mga kababayan hangga’t hindi nareresolba ang mga isyu ng korapsyon na kinasasangkutan ng ibang ECs,” Gatchalian emphasized. He noted that cooperatives are particularly vulnerable to corruption as they are not subject to government audit.
The lawmaker emphasized that he supports revising the categorization process of all ECs, to help ensure that these power institutions are being managed well financially and operationally.
“Kailangang maging maayos ang pangangasiwa ng mga ECs pagdating sa usapin ng kanilang pinansyal na kalagayan dahil dito rin nakasalalay ang kanilang operasyon at ang ibinibigay nilang serbisyo,” he added.
