SOCOTECO II-Ignite Power deal questioned ahead of plebiscite

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/24 August 2026) — The Social Action Center of the Diocese Marbel is calling for greater transparency in the proposed joint venture between the South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO II) and Ignite Power, including an independent investigation into the cooperative’s operations and the deferment of the planned plebiscite on the agreement.

The center posted the three-page appeal on its Facebook page at 12:55 p.m. on Aug. 20. The document, dated the same day, was signed by Bro. Manuel V. de Leon, FMS, president of Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, under the banner “For the Protection of SOCOTECO II MCOs (COPS-MCOs).”

The appeal urged SOCOTECO II member-consumer-owners (MCOs) to examine the proposed Conditional Joint Venture Agreement with Ignite Power, saying decisions involving the cooperative’s assets, operations and future should be based on adequate information and member participation.

Ignite Power is a joint venture energy company formed by Enrique Razon Jr.’s Primelectric Holdings Inc. and Manny Pacquiao’s MP Holdings Inc.

SOCOTECO II workers repair downed power poles along the General Santos-Maasim highway in Sitio Asnalang, Barangay Tinoto, Maasim, Sarangani, after a late-night truck collision on August 28. Image courtesy of SOCOTECO II Facebook page

Among the questions raised by the appeal, it asked about what the cooperative would give up under the proposed arrangement, what it would receive in return, the risks involved, available alternatives, and what would serve the common good.

The appeal also emphasized the role of the Annual General Membership Assembly (AGMA), describing it as the cooperative’s highest governing and policymaking body and the venue where member-consumer-owners can exercise their voting power, review reports and hold cooperative officials accountable.

The statement also questioned proceedings during SOCOTECO II’s 43rd AGMA on July 25, particularly the adoption of Resolution No. 104 concerning the proposed Conditional Joint Venture Agreement.

It alleged that the Board of Directors, headed by Board President Elenito Senit, declared a motion to affirm and adopt the resolution and enter into the agreement without a vote being taken.

SAC-Marbel also questioned the subsequent motion to submit the agreement to a plebiscite or referendum, arguing that it was based on a previous motion that, according to the statement, had not been duly approved through a vote establishing the number of votes for or against.

SOCOTECO II’s own public advisories confirm that its 43rd AGMA was held on July 25 at a main hub in Apopong, General Santos City, with satellite venues in General Santos City and Sarangani Province.

The appeal also cited allegations of bribery, misleading information, personal attacks and online trolling in the campaign surrounding the proposed joint venture. It expressed concern about what it described as the possible normalization of such practices.

It further warned against the possible entry of large investors and political dynasties through the privatization or takeover of basic utilities.

The allegations and characterizations in the statement were not accompanied by supporting evidence in the three-page document.

Meanwhile, SAC-Marbel is calling on the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to conduct an independent investigation or forensic audit of SOCOTECO II’s managerial, technical and financial operations.

It also urged members of the House of Representatives from the area to hold a congressional inquiry into the proposed Conditional Joint Venture Agreement, saying this would protect the interests of member-consumer-owners.

The group likewise called for the deferment of the plebiscite until what it described as all legal and administrative requirements have been complied with.

SOCOTECO II has scheduled the plebiscite on the proposed Conditional Joint Venture Agreement with Ignite Power over four weekends — Sept. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27, 2026. The cooperative said its district-wide information, education and communication campaign began Aug. 7 to explain the proposed agreement and the plebiscite process

The appeal also encouraged MCOs to join a prayer rally scheduled on 29 August 2026 to call for transparency, accountability, and the active participation of  members. (Justine Paul Paraz/MindaNews)