The National Electrification Administration (NEA) has escalated its crackdown on alleged mismanagement within electric cooperatives by filing formal cases against erring officials before the Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ formally received the complaints today.
NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda, accompanied by key officials including Deputy Administrators Omar Mayo and Vic Alvaro, led the filing of multiple criminal cases targeting executives from the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (INEC) and First Bukidnon Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FIBECO).
INEC, through Acting General Manager Cipriano Martinez, filed a criminal complaint for syndicated estafa against former and current executives accused of embezzling approximately PHP 118 million from the cooperative’s Employees Retirement Fund.
FIBECO, represented by Acting General Manager Jemilo Pelimer, filed complaints for qualified theft against its former General Manager. The allegations include a conspiracy to unlawfully purchase land worth PHP 11.55 million — a transaction that never materialized — and the diversion of PHP 6 million to a personal account. These cases had previously been endorsed to the DOJ for further investigation.
The DOJ, supported by NEA and the NBI, reiterated its commitment to thoroughly reviewing the complaints based on facts and legal merit. DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla stated: “We commend the National Electrification Administration and the concerned Electric Cooperatives for taking decisive action to combat corruption and restore public trust. These cases will be reviewed carefully, with full respect for due process. Our role is not to prejudge, but to determine whether the evidence warrants prosecution under our laws.”
This coordinated filing is expected to be followed by additional complaints as NEA continues its push for transparency, sound governance, and improved service delivery in the electric cooperative sector.
This concerted enforcement action is backed by high-ranking officials including DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, Undersecretary Jose Cadiz, Jr., and NBI Direct
or Jaime Santiago, emphasizing inter-agency collaboration to restore integrity in the sector.
How do you see NEA’s intensified legal actions shaping the future governance and transparency of electric cooperatives? Share your insights and join the conversation.
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