- GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Central Negros Electric Cooperative Board of Directors, pursuant to authorization from the National Electrification Administration, yesterday cancelled the scheduled Sept. 2 and 3 plebiscite on the Joint Venture Agreement between the electric cooperative and the Negros Electric Power Corp., after getting majority of the “Yes” votes, Atty. Arnel Lapore, acting general manager of Ceneco, said.
In a press briefing, Lapore reported that the “Yes” votes reached 98,591, which represents 55.31 percent of the total number of 178,236 eligible Ceneco member-consumer voters. There were 6,899 “No” votes logged.
“Therefore, the threshold of 50 percent plus one was already achieved,” said Lapore.
During its board meeting yesterday, Lapore said Ceneco president Jojit Yap certified the 98,591 “Yes” votes, and the certification will be transmitted to NEA for information and appropriate action.
It only needs the concurrence of NEA, Lapore added.
In a memorandum dated Aug. 30, NEA administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda backed the Ceneco’s rationale of cancelling the remaining days of plebiscite, stressing that “it would be unnecessary to continue with the Sept. 2 and 3 voting dates, since the threshold number of affirmative votes has been achieved”.
To continue with the Sept. 2 and 3 voting dates would only result in unnecessary costs and burden to Ceneco, as well as interfere with the resumption of classes and with the scheduled local elections, Almeda said.
Anticipating post-proclamation protests, Lapore said any aggrieved party may avail of such remedy before any forum.
Once concurred by the NEA, he said the process will be forwarded to Congress for an application of a 25-year franchise, and it depends on the House of Representatives and Senate whether to approve it, or not.
While campaigning for the JVA approval, Abang Lingkod Rep. Stephen Joseph Paduano earlier said he is willing to sponsor the application of the NEPC franchise in the Lower House.
In the meantime, Lapore said it will be business as usual for Ceneco and they will focus now on how to reduce the system loss.
While the process is being undertaken, he added that there is a provision in the JVA for the parties to embark on some programs that will address important and immediate needs of Ceneco.
Asked on the overwhelming “Yes” votes for the JVA, Lapore said “this is an overwhelming endorsement of JVA from member-consumers” as they expect that the joint venture would bring a better Ceneco for everyone.
“Hopefully, Congress will grant the franchise and eventually give the JVA a chance,” he said.
Lapore said he will also push for the retention of 70 percent of Ceneco employees, stressing that he and the Board made a commitment to augment what is provided in the collective bargaining agreement, as to the separation pay of those who will not be rehired./GB
