Yt Framework

“I feel vindicated. I was right all along.”
Thus, asserted Atty. Kim Elago yesterday with regards to the letter of National Electrification Administration (NEA) dated June 26, 2012 stating that the twin resolutions approved by the member consumers during the conduct of the Annual General Membership Assembly (AGMA) did not conform with the requirements as set forth by NEA.

Elago said the NEA letter which was addressed to Zamcelco board president Elbert Atilano declared that the first resolution stated that “General Membership resolution approving the ‘Declaration of Vacancy’ for the position of general manager of Zamcelco" while the resolution no 04-12 states, “General Membership Resolution approving the appointment of Director Elbert Atilano as General manager of Zamcelco” were invalid.

He said the NEA letter signed by Edgardo Piamonte, Deputy Administrator for Electric Distribution Utilities Services emphasized that it cannot act favorably on the said resolutions since the selection and hiring of general manager must strictly follow the process as enunciated under NEA memorandum which calls for the revised policy on the selection, hiring and termination of service/suspension for general managers of electric cooperatives.

“This was the reason why I filed a TRO with the court because I was already thinking that this will happen. So you see I was right all along,” Elago said.
According to Elago, with the contention of the letter, it only emphasizes that NEA appointed Project supervisor Eng. Jesus Castro is still the general manager.

“The problem here is that if Atilano had signed checks, memorandum or other orders of the cooperative for and in behalf of the general manager, it would be a big problem for him because Castro is still the GM,” Elago said.

“So this will create a big confusion inside the cooperative because employees will now have two managers. And who are they going to listen, is a big question mark? What about the salaries of these two managers” Elago added.

The lawyer said the general assembly is the highest policy making body of the coop but the NEA has been given bylaws and the authority to supervise the selection of the coop manager.

Elago also questioned why Atilano has established office inside the Zamcelco office which is irregular.

by: Nonong Santiago