Editor: This news article is an update of the previous article about the reported non-appearance of Zamsureco II to the local countil meeting.
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay โ Zamboanga del Sur II Electric Cooperative did not deliberately snub an invitation to appear before the Ipil municipal council; a copy of the letter received by the electric utility showed it was a scheduling mismatch that sparked confusion and prompted calls from the members of the council for a regulatory investigation.
A letter sent by the Sangguniang Bayan of Ipil to ZAMSURECO II states that the cooperative was invited for July 15, not July 8, the councilโs 52nd Regular Session. The sessionโs agenda included apprising the council of the status of power services, particularly an abrupt increase in electric bills and rates, as well as the non-issuance of billing statements.
The non-appearance of ZAMSURECO II representatives on July 8 nevertheless prompted Councilor Alberto Alcoriza, Jr. to pass a resolution urging the Energy Regulatory Commission to conduct an in-depth investigation into the cooperativeโs worsening financial condition.
Council members, mostly allies of Mayor Ramses Troy Olegario, expressed dismay that representatives from the cooperative did not attend, despite what local officials described as prior coordination. The absence, they said, hindered discussions on issues affecting constituents, including service quality, billing concerns and infrastructure needs in a region still grappling with electrification and economic development. Seven of the eight regular members of the local council are allies of the municipal mayor.
Mayor Olegario also posted a copy of the letter on social media on Friday, stating: โZAMSURECO II did not deliberately ignore the invitation of the Ipil Sangguniang Bayan to attend its 52nd Regular Session, explaining that the electric cooperative had received an invitation indicating a different schedule.โ
It remains unclear whether the council will rescind the resolutions. Councilors have yet to respond publicly to the clarification.
ZAMSURECO II, which distributes electricity in parts of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay, has previously faced ERC show-cause orders regarding compliance and reporting requirements. Consumers in the region have raised concerns over rising rates, billing transparency and occasional power interruptions.
Neither the cooperative nor the local council immediately responded to requests for comment on the resolutions or the scheduling issue.
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