Thursday, February 21, 2008 Power coop official slams suspension
GUAGUA -- The embattled general manager of Pampanga Electric Cooperative (Pelco) 2 has finally broken his silence on his suspension.
Sulpicio Lagarde was suspended by the Pelco 2 Board of Directors (BOD) on various charges including "acts undermining the integrity and authority of the board," mismanagement, abuse of authority, and "lack of respect and courtesy to the board," which he describes as mere allegations as of the moment.
Lagarde said the move by the board was "haphazardly done" to hasten his removal from office.
"I strongly condemn the act of the Pelco 2 Board of Directors. The notice was served on February 14 and implemented the same day. They installed Mr. Amador Guevarra as my replacement," Lagarde said, adding that he was not even given the courtesy of explaining himself.
Instead, the BOD slapped him with a 30-day preventive suspension.
"It's as if they are saying I am already guilty when they haven't heard my side," he added.
The BOD suspended Lagarde while he was out of town, according to Consumer Alliance (CAP) chairperson Catalina Saplala, who earlier said the installation of Amador Guevarra should follow the proper procedure prescribed by the National Electrification Administration (NEA).
The new Pelco 2 BOD is currently led by president Antonio Decena, district director of Mabalacat town.
Asked if he had any qualms with Decena in the past, Lagarde said all he did was to serve the consumers of the cooperative.
"When I took this post I was not to serve one man or one interest alone. My mandate was to serve the consumers of the cooperative and the interests that would greatly affect them," Lagarde said.
Lagarde has sent his letter of reply to the BOD last February 18. However, the board has yet to act on it as of present.
He stressed that he would follow what is right and legal in fighting for his rights. (IOF)
