Church leaders urge Ombudsman to suspend power co-op executives over deal

MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic hierarchy has escalated its challenge to the leadership of South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (Socoteco II), asking the Office of the Ombudsman to take immediate action against board members over a contentious business arrangement.

In a letter dated September 8 addressed to Ombudsman Remulla, two bishops raised alarm about the cooperative's proposed joint venture agreement, characterizing it as potentially problematic for the organization and its members. The correspondence was made public through media channels, underscoring the gravity of the church's concerns.

The church leaders' intervention reflects broader scrutiny of the power cooperative's governance and decision-making processes. The bishops' appeal for preventive suspension suggests they believe the board members' continued authority poses a risk during the investigation into the contested agreement.

Socoteco II, which serves the South Cotabato region, plays a critical role in electrical distribution in the province. The dispute over the joint venture agreement highlights tensions between cooperative management and stakeholders, including the institutional church, over major business decisions.

The Ombudsman's office is expected to review the bishops' petition as part of its mandate to investigate complaints against government officials and entities, though the cooperative's status as a non-stock, non-profit organization may affect the scope of the investigation.