Energy execs hailed for fixing Beneco

We are grateful because the move came just in the nick of time to avert a looming power crisis due to the financial instability caused by the freezing of the power firm’s bank accounts

North Luzon leaders have commended Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and National Electrification Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda for finally resolving the leadership crisis and fiasco that had hounded the Benguet Electric Cooperative Inc.

“We are grateful because the move came just in the nick of time to avert a looming power crisis due to the financial instability caused by the freezing of the power firm’s bank accounts,” Mayor Benjamin Magalong said.

Thank you for ensuring the cooperative’s financial stability and avoiding a crisis that could have caused untold inconvenience and huge economic repercussions

Almeda, in a press briefing after handing down the crucial decisions on the power cooperative’s leadership shakedown last 11 January 2023, said financial issues, including the unfreezing of the bank accounts and the consolidation of the fiscal management, the “first order of the day” when the five-person Beneco task force which will serve as interim board of directors start their work.

“Thank you for ensuring the cooperative’s financial stability and avoiding a crisis that could have caused untold inconvenience and huge economic repercussions,” Magalong said.

Returning to normal

“Now everything is going back to normal with the interim board of which members represent the different sectors of the Baguio and Benguet communities,” he added.

The mayor appealed to some politicians unceremoniously dipping their fingers in the Beneco issue to stop sowing intrigues and telling lies to push their ulterior motives, political and otherwise.

“It is not helping. Besides, Baguio and Benguet people can solve their issues on their own, so better leave us be,” the mayor said.

The mayor also commended now-suspended Beneco general manager Engr. Melchor Licoben for being a true gentleman and professional.

He assured Licoben of the local government’s continued support when he applied anew for the general manager post.

Licoben enjoys overwhelming backing from other local government units, memberconsumers organizations, and civil society organizations.

Regarding the ongoing audit of the Beneco funds where the NEA deployed separate teams, one for the Licoben-managed team at the Beneco headquarters and the other for the Marie Rafael-led operations, Magalong again cited the Licoben group’s ready cooperation with the audit team.