Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelrado “Albee” Benitez said on Monday, June 12, that MORE Electric and Power Corp. should address the concerns of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO) employees.
The mayor said he was informed that the employees are opposed to the joint venture agreement (JVA) between MORE’s Prime Electric Holdings Inc. and CENECO.
That is normal because they are apprehensive about their status, MORE Power should talk to them to give them some assurance, Benitez said.
The mayor expects MORE Power to present its JVA plans to him soon.His criteria for agreeing to the JVA is that it lowers the power rates in Bacolod, addresses the problem of fluctuating power and brownouts, and goes for green energy, Benitez said.
Roel Castro, MORE Power president and chief executive officer, and CENECO acting manager Arnel Lapore held a dialog with the CENECO employees last week, Jonathan Cabrera, MORE Power media officer, said.
They were informed that they can apply to be part of the joint venture company and if they are qualified they will be hired, Cabrera said.
Meanwhile, the payment of the separation and retirement benefits of the JVA affected employees will be made by CENECO, he said.*