Business World Online
Posted on 10:00 PM, January 11, 2011
THE DEPARTMENT of Energy (DoE) will conduct its own investigation into a bribery scandal involving the Iloilo III Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Ileco III).
Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras said in a statement an investigating panel composed of Undersecretaries Loreta G. Ayson, Jose M. Layug, Jr., and Josefina Patricia M. Asirit will evaluate reports submitted by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM).
“[These events] occurred prior to my assumption to office. However, I have taken steps to reinvestigate the matters. My office has received the required reports from the concerned agencies within the period I prescribed. Currently, my office is preparing the transmittal of these reports for submission to the Commission on Appointments when it reconvenes,” said Mr. Almendras.
While the NEA followed its procedures in removing officials of Ileco III who allegedly took bribes, “the NEA Board was not in a position to pass judgment on individuals not under its jurisdiction, with its authority being limited to NEA-registered electric cooperatives and its employees.”
In October last year, the NEA dismissed seven officials for gross misconduct and gross neglect of duty in connection with the approval of a 25-year supply deal with power producer Applied Research Technologies Philippines.
The findings of the DoE panel will be submitted to the Commission on Appointments as part of Mr. Almendras’ confirmation hearings. -- ENJD
“[These events] occurred prior to my assumption to office. However, I have taken steps to reinvestigate the matters. My office has received the required reports from the concerned agencies within the period I prescribed. Currently, my office is preparing the transmittal of these reports for submission to the Commission on Appointments when it reconvenes,” said Mr. Almendras.
While the NEA followed its procedures in removing officials of Ileco III who allegedly took bribes, “the NEA Board was not in a position to pass judgment on individuals not under its jurisdiction, with its authority being limited to NEA-registered electric cooperatives and its employees.”
In October last year, the NEA dismissed seven officials for gross misconduct and gross neglect of duty in connection with the approval of a 25-year supply deal with power producer Applied Research Technologies Philippines.
The findings of the DoE panel will be submitted to the Commission on Appointments as part of Mr. Almendras’ confirmation hearings. -- ENJD
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