NEA orders Lagarde to resume post as Ceneco GM pending probe
BACOLOD CITY -- Pending the investigation to be conducted on November 13, terminated Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) General Manager Sulpicio Lagarde should assume his post, said National Electrification Administration (NEA) administrator Edita Bueno.
Bueno in her letter dated November 6 to the Ceneco Board of Directors, said the investigation will be conducted to determine if there is really a just and valid cause for Lagarde's dismissal.
"Pending our final action on Board Resolution No. 8323, GM Lagarde shall continue his regular function as general manager so as not to disrupt the day-to-day operations of the coop," the letter stated.
Lagarde was appointed only last May but terminated by the Ceneco board on Tuesday last week, citing loss of trust and confidence.
A change in the board leadership also happened where Vicente Sabornay, a lawyer, was elected as president, replacing Roberto Montelibano.
Montelibano backed Lagarde's probationary appointment but because of 'unsatisfactory performance' as claimed by employees and other officials, both of them were ousted from their posts.
The News Today tried to contact Lagarde's cellphone many times but no avail.
In his press statement, the GM said he will call for a press conference when he returns to Bacolod City soon.
The board named Erlo Sajo, manager of Consumer Accounts Department as the OIC-general manager.
Ceneco President Atty. Vicente Sabornay said the NEA should respect the decision of the board through its resolution.
"There should be a harmonious relationship between the board, employees and the general manager in order to provide better service to its consumers,” the NEA said.