Academe and religious groups will hold a prayer rally in General Santos City on August 29, opposing SOCOTECO II’s JVA.
The groups oppose the Joint Venture Agreement between South Cotabato Electric Cooperative II and Ignite Power, citing concerns over transparency.
The planned rally follows the city council’s approval of a resolution supporting the organizers’ request to conduct the public gathering.
The local government also issued a rally permit, allowing participating groups to peacefully express their concerns regarding the proposed agreement.
Fr. Rey Mission, Vicar Forane of the Metro Dadiangas Area and priest of St. Michael Parish, questioned claims about SOCOTECO II.
He disputed the board of directors’ characterization that the electric cooperative is already ailing and facing serious operational difficulties, reportedly.
Mission called for greater transparency as SOCOTECO II and Ignite Power pursue ongoing discussions concerning the proposed joint venture agreement.
The participating groups also urged authorities to conduct an independent investigation into the cooperative’s operations before approving the proposed partnership.
They likewise appealed against plans to defer the plebiscite, saying stakeholders deserve complete information before making decisions about the agreement.
The groups said the public should understand the agreement’s provisions, potential effects, and long-term implications before the voting process proceeds.
Organizers expect the prayer rally to bring together members of religious communities, academic institutions, and concerned stakeholders in General Santos.
Source: Richel Gubalani, Brigada News FM Gensan
