Politics · Philippines Bureau
Lawmaker calls for probe into Socoteco II private venture deal
A Philippine congressman has joined calls for an investigation into a proposed joint venture between a rural electric cooperative and a private company, citing concerns about consumer protection. Rep. Antonio Tinio says Congress must ensure that the agreement prioritizes the welfare of electricity consumers in South Cotabato.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio has added his voice to demands for a thorough examination of the planned joint venture agreement between the South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (Socoteco II) and a private sector partner, questioning whether the deal will ultimately benefit consumers.
In a statement released Monday, Tinio raised concerns about the proposed arrangement, emphasizing that lawmakers have a responsibility to verify that consumer interests remain the central focus of any agreement involving rural utilities. The congressman's position reflects broader questions about how such partnerships affect electricity rates and service quality for the cooperative's members in the Mindanao region.
The call for investigation underscores ongoing scrutiny of joint venture deals involving cooperative utilities in the Philippines. Rural electric cooperatives like Socoteco II serve thousands of households and small businesses, making decisions about their operations subject to public interest considerations.
Tinio's intervention suggests that the matter may receive legislative attention as Congress evaluates the proposed arrangement's implications for rural consumers and the broader energy sector.