Clarificatory Hearing Set for Iloilo Coop Officials

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) has scheduled a clarificatory hearing on Dec. 10, 2024, for former officials of the Iloilo City Government Employees’ Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ICGEMPC), who are facing multiple charges.

CDA-6 legal counsel Atty. Jickney Fuentes said the hearing, to be conducted by the agency’s Adjudication Division, aims to gather additional information and clarify facts related to the allegations.

The CDA-6 filed a motu proprio complaint with its head office over alleged irregularities in ICGEMPC’s loan approval processes in 2023.

An investigation that began in October 2023 uncovered that multiple loans were released within a single month to several key officials, including former chairman Leo Elevencione, general manager Irene Duliesco, the treasurer, bookkeeper, and other staff members.

Charges against the 14 former officials include serious dishonesty, grave misconduct, disgraceful conduct, inefficiency, incompetence, grave abuse of authority, and gross negligence.

“Rest assured that the CDA is doing everything, especially within our quasi-judicial powers, to expedite and resolve this case,” Fuentes said.

ICGEMPC reported financial losses of over PHP31 million in the second half of 2023 due to irregular loan transactions, leading to the depletion of members’ capital shares.

In September 2023, the city government declared CDA-6 director Nora P. Patron “persona non grata” for allegedly ignoring its pleas regarding the cooperative’s loan issues. Patron retired in January 2024.

CDA Undersecretary Joseph Encabo pledged in October 2023 to conduct an independent investigation into the possible involvement of CDA personnel in Region 6.

Asked if a complaint would be filed against Patron, CDA-6 director Antonio Escobar Jr. said the responsibility lies with ICGEMPC.

“If there is solid evidence, it is up to them to bring the matter to the proper court,” Escobar said.

LACK OF EDUCATION

Escobar attributed the ICGEMPC anomaly to a lack of education among officers and members.

“The internal affairs should be closely monitored. There should be constant communication from the board of directors down to the management. Complacency should be avoided,” he emphasized.

He called for stronger education and training among cooperative members, noting that Republic Act No. 9520 mandates specific training for cooperative officers to ensure effective management and operations.

Article 44 of RA 9520 and its implementing rules require officers to undergo accredited training, including basic cooperative courses, cooperative management and governance, and basic accounting for non-accountants.

“Even long-serving officers should complete prescribed training to fully internalize their duties and responsibilities,” Encabo added.