NEA) and several Electric Cooperatives (ECs) have filed criminal complaints with Doj

The National Electrification Administration (NEA) and several Electric Cooperatives (ECs) have filed criminal complaints with the Department of Justice (DOJ) on 27 May 2025 against current and former officials and personnel of multiple ECs, including the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (INEC) and the First Bukidnon Electric Cooperative, Inc.

(FIBECO), over allegations of large-scale mismanagement, misappropriation of funds, and financial anomalies. NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano C. Almeda spearheaded the filing, accompanied by other NEA officials and legal representatives of the affected cooperatives.

INEC accused its former and current executives of syndicated estafa, claiming the embezzlement of approximately P118 million from the cooperative's Employees Retirement Fund. FIBECO's complaint, endorsed by Acting General Manager Jemilo Pelimer, involves charges of qualified theft against its former general manager for simulated transactions and diverting P6 million to a personal account, among other alleged offenses. These actions are part of an ongoing inter-agency effort to ensure accountability in the management of consumer funds within the EC sector.

DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla assured that the cases would be evaluated impartially and in accordance with due process. The initiative has the backing of NEA and NBI Director Jaime Santiago. This move is seen as a step towards combating corruption and reinforcing transparency within the electric cooperative sector, with more complaints anticipated to be filed in the near future.