By Mae Singuay 

Primelectric Holdings, Inc./Negros Electric Power Corporation and Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) will file proof of disseminating information, education and communications (IECs) of the proposed joint venture agreement (JVA) within 72 hours.

This, after Judge Maria Lina Gonzaga of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 42 granted the motion for reconsideration filed by local group Negros Consumers Watch against the conduct of the plebiscite for JVA ratification.

On June 22, the court denied the group’s petition for declaratory relief and the JVA nullity, with the application for issuance of a preliminary injunction and/or temporary restraining order (TRO).

During an open court hearing yesterday afternoon, Primelectric spokesperson Jonathan Cabrera said RTC Branch 42 issued a 72-hour effectivity of the TRO relative to the declaratory relief pending the respondents, Ceneco and Primelectric, to submit the evidence for conducting the IEC.

Cabrera said they will file the evidence for information dissemination within 72 hours upon receipt of the TRO.

He hopes Gonzaga will lift the court order. 

Earlier this month, Ceneco and Primelectric executed the JVA to improve power distribution services in the cooperative’s franchise areas in capital Bacolod City and Negros Occidental cities of Bago, Talisay and Silay; and the towns of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto.

The JVA will become effective once the majority (50 percent plus one) of Ceneco’s member-consumer-owners will ratify it through the “yes” votes in the six-day plebiscite which started on June 24 and 25, 2023. 

The plebiscite has only four remaining days scheduled on July 1, 2, 8, and 9.

Cabrera clarified that the 72-hour TRO effectivity had affected the conduct of the plebiscite on Saturday, July 1.

He added that the upcoming plebiscite on July 2, 8, and 9 are not suspended due to the TRO.

Earlier, the court denied the petition citing non-compliance with the specific provision of the law./MS, WDJ