A progressive group is calling for full transparency and disclosure, while the Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod “noted” the signed joint venture agreement (JVA) between Central Negros Electric Cooperative and Primelectric Holdings Inc. on Wednesday.
Paghimud-os Negros issued an open letter to CENECO, PHI, and consumers on Wednesday calling for transparency.
The letter contained 28 questions addressed to PHI and CENECO on systems upgrading, privatization, the rationale behind the JVA, effects to the current employees, and voting procedures.
“We reiterate our call for transparency and full disclosure in the matter of the JVA and CENECO’s franchise, as well as the consuming public’s right to be informed, consulted, and allowed to participate in deliberations that will determine the fate of their power utility,” the letter said.
The letter was signed by Paghimud-os founder and former Neg. Occ. Gov. Rafael Coscolluela, Diocese of San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, REPower Negros head Junjun Mojica and representatives from various sectoral and progressive groups.
Meanwhile, a copy of the JVA that was submitted to the Bacolod SP Wednesday was noted, it was not deliberated on, Councilor Jude Thaddeus Sayson said.
“As a city councilor and a consumer member I also have questions to ask,” he said, adding “they need to finish the plebiscite first before we can endorse it.”
With more questions being raised on the JVA, the Diocese of Bacolod-led Anti-JVA Coalition is set to hold a press conference on Thursday to air their sentiments about the recent developments.
Diocese of Bacolod Social Action Center head Fr. Christ Gonzales said that they are still convening the group to create a unified statement about the JVA signing of CENECO and PHI.*