NEA awaits power coop exec’s reply on charges

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- The National Electrification Administration (NEA) is expecting the formal answer of Benguet Electric Cooperative director Benny Bomogao to charges filed against him over the holidays.

The NEA team started investigation in November following complaints filed by lawyer Emiliano Gayo, alleging Bomogao’s involvement in the undervaluation of the South Drive lot sale.

Bomogao is being accused of serious misconduct, grave abuse of authority and acts detrimental to the cooperative as well as member consumers.

NEA director for legal services, lawyer Omar Mayo, said the agency has already sent the summons to Bomogao

Under NEA rules Bomogao has 10 days upon receipt to reply formally.

Gayo, in his complaint, is asking for the preventive suspension of Bomogao, as well as the return of over P11 million paid by the cooperative to the Bureau of internal Revenue.

Mayo said the preventive suspension requested by Gayo is yet to be decided on by the NEA.

“We are waiting for the side of director Bomogao first,” Mayo said.

Complaints hurled by Gayo stated Bomogao allegedly committed “acts grossly inimical to the interest of Beneco and its members-consumers and causing great damages and prejudice to them, in connection with the purchase by Beneco of the lots situated in South Drive.”

Gayo alleged the sale of the South Drive lot has been undervalued, undeclared and understated causing harm to the reputation of the cooperative as well as consumers.

Bomogao denied Gayo’s allegation, it is fueled by an earlier decision in 2007 by the Beneco Board to terminate the lawyer’s legal retainer’s services.