LA TRINIDAD TOWN COUNCIL ASKS NEA, BENECO INTERIM BOARD FOR ELECTION OF REGULAR BOD

July 1, 2023 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY

The Municipal Council of La Trinidad unanimously approved a resolution strongly urging the National Electric Administration (NEA) and the Interim Board of Directors of Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) to immediately hold an election for the regular members of the board. “To put to rest issues on the proper representation of the member-consumers with the highest governing body of the cooperative, “ states the municipal council resolution which was approved on June 28, presided by Vice Mayor Roderick Awingan.

The appointment of the Interim Board of Directors was through NEA Resolution No 03-2023 dated January 10, 2023, confirming the creation of a “Task Force Beneco” to act as Board of Directors of Beneco. Under Beneco’s By- Laws, the cooperative is governed by 11 BOD who are elected by member-consumer, now numbering 142,000 ( Baguio and Benguet). “The member-consumers –
owners (MCOs) are fully aware of the problems besetting the Beneco the past year, “ states the resolution, adding “they are well informed of the issues on management. rate increase and how the NEA has handled these issues.”

“Electing the regular members of the Board of Directors of Beneco would certainly resolve related issues and questions affecting the operation and management of Beneco. Ina recent press forum,
Steve Cating, Interim Board Chairman categorically said that they are banned in running for the election of regular BOD. Cating’s statement was supported by Interim Board Members — lawyer George Dumawing, Jr., Elma Donaal and Rodolfo De Guia. Cating and the other BOD in unison said there present function is to look after the welfare of the member consumers owners.

Primo Agatep/ABN