A Catholic bishop in South Cotabato has raised concerns over alleged lack of transparency in a proposed joint venture involving a local electric cooperative.
In a statement, Bishop Cerilo Casicas of Marbel criticized the conditional approval by the board of the South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO II) to enter into a joint venture with IGNITE Power without what he said was adequate consultation with member-consumer-owners.
“…We strongly decry the conditional approval of the Board of Directors of SOCOTECO II to enter into a joint venture agreement with IGNITE Power,” Casicas said.
He added that the move was made “without consultation, without transparency, and without regard for the common good,” warning that it “benefits only a privileged few while disregarding the voices of the community.”
Casicas said electricity should be treated as a vital public service and not merely a business arrangement, stressing its impact on households, schools, hospitals, and livelihoods in South Cotabato.
He called for public dialogue and structured information sessions where member-consumer-owners can freely raise questions and review verified data on the proposed partnership and its implications.
The bishop also urged government officials, cooperative leaders, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to uphold honesty, transparency, and accountability in all decision-making processes affecting the cooperative.
“We demand that all decisions be protected from secrecy, misinformation, undue pressure, and personal interest, and that the cooperative remain accountable to its member-consumers,” Casicas said.
He further encouraged vigilance and calm public engagement, warning against misinformation, personal attacks, and unverified claims circulating in the community.
He said disputes over the cooperative’s direction should be addressed through dialogue based on facts, consultation, and respect for the common good, rather than confrontation or speculation.