20/08/2026
A CALL FOR TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND GENUINE PARTICIPATION
2026 AUGUST 20
TO ALL FELLOW MEMBER-CONSUMER-OWNERS:
Greetings of Peace!
This is a respectful appeal to every member-consumer of SOCOTECO II to take the time to understand what is being proposed that may substantially affect the future of the COOPERATIVE which belongs to us for the last forty-nine (49) years. SOCOTECO II is more than a distribution utility. It is a COOPERATIVE whose member-consumer-owners have legitimate interest in its assets, operations, governance, services and FUTURE.
Thus, decisions affecting the COOPERATIVE deserve care, competence and membership participation.
FIRST, THE NEED FOR TRANSPARENCY.
Decision should begin with facts. In every decision, especially disposal of assets, we ask the following:
a. What are we giving up?
b. What do we get in return?
c. What are the risks?
d. What are the alternatives?
e. What is for the common good?
These are responsible questions from the owners who have legitimate interest in the future of the COOPERATIVE.
SECOND, ACCOUNTABILITY AND MEMBERSHIP PARTICIPATION.
A member cannot make an informed decision without adequate information.
The Annual General Membership Assembly or AGMA is the highest governing and policy-making body of the COOPERATIVE. It is the proper venue that allows the member-consumer-owner to exercise their direct voting power to approve major strategic decisions, review financial and operational reports, and hold the leadership accountable for their actions.
It gives every member the opportunity to raise concerns, ask questions and have a say in the future goals of the COOPERATIVE.
THIRD, WE STRONGLY DENOUNCE.
Denouncing injustice is not merely an optional charitable act, but a moral obligation rooted in the Gospel and prophetic tradition. Thus, we denounce the following:
a. The secrecy, conspiracy and the intention to mislead the member-consumer-owners of SOCOTECO II on the real status of the COOPERATIVE, leading to the "conditional acceptance of the unsolicited proposals of IGNITE POWER."
b. The action of the Board of Directors headed by Board President Elenito Senit during the 43'd Annual General Membership Assembly last July 25, 2026, in declaring the motion to affirm and adopt Resolution No. 104 to enter into the Conditional Joint Venture Agreement without having
a VOTE taken thereon. Consequently, the proceeding motion to submit the Conditional Joint Venture Agreement with IGNITE POWER to a plebiscite or referendum has NO FORCE because it was based on the previous motion that was not duly approved and voted upon by the MCOs with a clear number of votes in favor or against. Asking people to stand up without counting the actual number of votes is not only illegal but anomalous.
c. The allegations of the use of bribery, misleading news, personal attacks, trolls,"carrot and stick" approach, etc., in the campaign to favor a particular group and their agenda have caused concern over the kind of culture we are promoting in our society. Our citizens, especially the young people, will eventually accept these as something normal unless we in the family, schools, churches, and communities say something against these evil deeds.
d. The possible entry of capitalist oligarchs, the building of political dynasties and big investors through "privatization" and "takeover"of utilities such as electricity, water, communication and other basic services that will eventually result to monopolies and kleptocracy.
FOURTH, OUR URGENT CALLS.
a. To uphold honesty, accountability and meaningful consultation through dialogue before important decisions are made;
b. To request NEA and ERC to conduct an independent investigation or a forensic audit on the managerial, technical and financial operations of SOCOTECO II;
c. To demand from our Representatives in the House of Congress to pass bills or resolutions for a "congressional inquiry" on the Conditional Joint Venture Agreement with the end view of protecting the interests of the MCOs;
d. To defer the holding of the referendum until all legal and administrative issues are complied with;
e. On the MCOs to join the PRAYER RALLY to be held on August 29, 2026, as an expression of support for the calls for TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY, and MEMBER PARTICIPATION.
The future of SOCOTECO II should not be decided in haste, personalities and political pressures BUT by facts and informed judgement.
OUR COOPERATIVE. OUR COMMON VOICE. OUR BRIGHT FUTURE.
FOR THE PROTECTION OF SOCOTECO II MCOs (COPS-MCOS)
BRO. MANUEL V.DE LEON, FMS
President.
Notre Dame of Dadiangas University
2026.08.20
