Lawmakers criticizes NEA

Lawmakers took turns yesterday in criticizing the National Electrification Administration (NEA) for its continued exercise of authority over power cooperatives registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), it is doing so without any valid grounds.

At the hearing conducted by the House Cooperative Development Committee, Party list APEC Reps. Ernesto Pablo, Edgar Valdez, and Zambales Rep. Maria Milagros “Mitos” Magsaysay said NEA has no business meddling in the affairs CDA-registered cooperatives since they are no longer under its authority.

The hearing was conducted in response to House Resolution 1098, filed by Magsaysay, which sought to investigation abuses allegedly committed by NEA in its continued exercise of jurisdiction over CDA-registered cooperatives.

They noted that the NEA loses its authority over the powers cooperatives the moment they were registered with the CDA.

Magsaysay said the new Cooperative Code reiterates the provisions of the old code that all cooperatives registered with the CDA must adopt and practice the principles of democratic control, autonomy and independence.

--By. Gabriel Mabutas – Manila Bulletin