NEA blinks, holds Lagarde's reinstatement
BACOLOD CITY – In a sudden twist of events, National Electrification Administration (NEA) has ordered the board of directors of Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) to hold in abeyance its earlier order reinstating General Manager Sulpicio Lagarde Jr. pending the ongoing talks between stakeholders and Secretary Francisco Silva.
NEA administrator Edita Bueno's order to hold Lagarde's reinstatement came after the Ceneco board questioned the supposed reinstatement order.
As such, Engr. Erlo Sajo, manager of Consumer Accounts Department, who was appointed OIC-general manager following Lagarde's termination, should prevail.
The November 6 letter of NEA stated that Lagarde should remain in his post as general manager pending the investigation so as not to disrupt the day-to-day operations of the cooperative.
NEA also scheduled to conduct an investigation on the termination Lagarde Jr. on November 13, 2008.
NEA Legal Division's Xerxes Adzuara will lead the investigation to be joined by team members Ricardo Orias and Lawrence Tinullar.
Lagarde, who was appointed on probationary status on May 27, was terminated on November 4 due to "loss of trust and confidence".
Reorganization thereafter happened to Ceneco board where Atty. Vicente Sabornay was elected as President, supported by majority of its members.