Double compensation: BECA seeks probe on partylist reps’ salaries
NAGA CITY---Members of the Bicol Electric Cooperative Association (BECA) urged the ethics committee of congress to investigate the alleged double compensations received by two members of partylists representing electric cooperatives in the country.
The two partylist members are identified as Sergio Dagooc of APEC Partylist and Presly De Jesus of Philreca Partylist.
Both Dagooc and De Jesus allegedly violated the memorandum of National Electric Administration (NEA) declaring both officials and employees of electric cooperatives as resigned once they won any government positions in the local or national elections.
Besides NEA memorandum, receiving double compensation is prohibited by law.
In an interview, Ann Sylvia Alsisto, general manager of Casureco I Electric Cooperative (CASURECO I) and chairperson of CASURECO III Task Force Duterte in Rinconada Area, revealed that Rep. Dagooc is still working as the general manager of Siargao Electric Cooperative and Dinagat Island Electric Cooperative while Rep. De Jesus still sits as director of Isabela II Electric Cooperative.
Dagooc explained that he is on vacation leave from the said electric cooperatives but he still sits as their general manager while working as a member of APEC Partylist.
Alsisto also told Bicol Mail that it is clear that Presley De Jesus violated RA 10531 and NEA memorandum.
“The law disqualifies him to sit as a director if he occupies both elective or appointive positions, with salary grade 16 and above. Why does De Jesus still sit as director of Isabela II Electric Cooperative while working as Philreca President?” she wonders.
BECA also questions NEA Administrator Edgardo Masongsong for his questionable implementation of the memorandum.
Due to the issue, BECA pointed out that the NEA memorandum is not effective.
Dagooc and De Jesus are both participants in the forum implemented by BECA held at Robinson Hotel where Masongsong was also present.
Bicol Mail wanted to interview the two partylist members to defend their sides but the BECA organizer didn’t allow any members of the press to attend the forum.
The police assistance team hired at the forum asked attending newsmen to stay out of the venue.
The police officer identified as PO2 Magistrado of the Naga City Police Office (NCPO) explained that she was instructed by CASURECO II director Gay Pabines to send reporters out from the event.
At the forum, Philreca Partylist Rep. De Jesus admitted that he continues to work as director of the electric cooperative in Isabela province.
He further clarified that they are not elected during the May elections but their partylist put them into their positions.
Aside from Dagooc and De Jesus, other representatives present included Recobada Partylist Rep. Godofredo Guja and Ako Padayon Partylist Rep. Adriano Ebcas.
All representatives of electric cooperatives from numerous provinces came here to explain to the BECA that they are all against the franchise demanded by Bicol Light Power Corporation (BLPC) which is planned to be established in Rinconada area.
At the regional caravan launched by BECA and the Association of General Managers which was followed by a protest rally in Iriga City last October 21 this year, protesters denounced the BLPC.
One of the protesters, Bula District Director Buh Almoneda of CASURECO III ridiculed APEC Partylist as “Power Bua”.
The ridicule was noticed by Rep. Dagooc who said that his partylist does not deserve to be called “power bua” because they are not in favor of giving franchise to BLPC