The move of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative Board of Directors to postpone their elections in three districts has been questioned by concerned groups, particularly the Freedom from Debt Coalition-Negros.

FDC-Negros, with the Association of Concerned CENECO Consumers/Members, said in a Jan. 30 letter to board president Roberto Montelibano that the postponement seemed to be “puzzling” and tainted with perceived “malicious notions” which need clarification.

The groups said they learned that the elections for Districts IV (Bacolod East), V (Bacolod West) and VIII ( Talisay City ) supposedly set on March have been rescheduled to July 26.

They also said the claim that the postponement is “necessary” because it comes close to the November 27 election is “absolutely capricious, unmindful and indifferent” to the interests and welfare of the consumers.

Roel Venus, head of Cooperative Promotion Section, said yesterday the board passed in its Jan. 29 meeting Board Resolution 8050 to reset the elections for districts IV, V and VII subject to National Electrification Administration approval.

He said a copy of the resolution has been sent to NEA and the CENECO directors will meet again after they receive a reply.

Venus said the resolution does not state that the elections will be postponed to July 26.

He said the elections for the three districts are traditionally held in March although the NEA guidelines state that it is the board that will set the date.

The unit that supervises the elections need more time to prepare, he added.

NO LEGAL GROUNDS

FDC-Negros, represented by chapter president Rudy Yanson and Association of Concerned CENECO Consumers/Members, led by convenor Germale Federico, said there are no legal grounds like violence, terrorism or force majeure for the board to justify the postponement.*NLG

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