NEA takes over Daneco mngm’t

MANILA, Philippines - State-run National Electrification Administration (NEA) has taken over the ailing Danao del Norte’s electric cooperative to reform operations.

NEA administrator Edgardo Masongsong said Task Force Duterte Northern Davao Power has been activated last March 1, to take over the operations and management of the Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative Inc. (Daneco).

He said the task force was formed “to decisively bring closure to the legal problems that have hounded Daneco, and that have consequently affected its Member-Consumer-Owners.”

“This is consistent with the provisions of Republic Act 10531, which empowers NEA to supervise all electric cooperatives, whether NEA or CDA-registered, as well as with the decisions of the Supreme Court in G.R. Nos. 213243-48 and G.R. No. 213740, which uphold NEA’s juridical role to manage Daneco,” Masongsong said.

Specifically, the task force is directed to implement the decision of the Supreme Court, as well as secure a memorandum of support from the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of National Defense, Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), and other government agencies in undertaking actions that will lead to the cessation of CDA’s role in Daneco’s operations.

It will also be given powers “to review the governance policies and practices of the cooperative to ensure that its performance meets or even exceeds the parameters and standards set by the NEA for all power coops.”