Bayani Philippines (2026)

31/08/2026

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 30 August 2026) – The book of Bukidnon parish priest and MindaNews columnist Fr. Reynaldo Raluto, “Integral Ecology Ministry: Doing Ecological Theology and Advocacy in Light of Laudato si’” is a finalist in two categories in the 20th Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Awards (CSCBA): Ministry and Theology.

It is the lone book among 26 finalists that is being recognized in two categories, according to the announcement card posted by the CSCBA on Saturday, containing photos of the 26 book covers and the nine categories they belong to: Children, Youth, Family & Life, Ministry, Liturgy, Theology, Homiletics, Inspirational, and Spirituality. This year’s theme is “Preserving Human Faces and Voices” in celebration of the 60th World Day of Social Communications.

Published last year by the Mindanao Institute of Journalism, the publisher of MindaNews, “Integral Ecology” is one of three finalists in the Ministry category, along with “Imperfect Leadership: A Jesuit Reflects on His Journey” by another Mindanawon, Fr. Antonio “Tony” F. Moreno, SJ; and the e-book “On the Road to Ever After: A Pre-Cana Workshop Manual for Organizers and Speakers” by Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag.

Moreno’s book was published by the Xavier University Press in Cagayan de Oro City and Dumadag’s e-book is available at handsonparentwhilelearning.com.

For the Ministry category, the books must “illustrate or document the varied forms of Christian ministry in the Philippines, including faith-based advocacies, social/civic apostolate and projects.”

Courtesy of the Cardinal Sin Catholic Book Awards FB page

Raluto’s book is also a finalist in the Theology category, along with “Was COVID-19 the Will of God? Evil, Evolution, and Divine Involvement,” by Fr. Ramon Echica; and “Education for a Faith that Does Justice: Philippine Catholic Education in an Age of Globalization” by Rhoderick John S. Abellanosa.

Echica’s book was published by the Institute of Spirituality in Asia and Abellanosa’s by St. Pauls Philippines. Both authors are from Cebu.

For the Theology category, the books must “aid the study of and reflection on Catholic Christian faith and doctrine, including works in Scriptures, Patristic, Christology, Church and Morals.”

Finalists will receive Certificates of Recognition and will be invited to the Awards Ceremonies on September 10 at 4 p.m. at the Manila International Book Fair at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Fr. Reynaldo D. Raluto, parish priest of Jesus Nazareno Parish in Libona, Bukidnon and head of the Integral Ecology Ministry of the Diocese of Malaybalay, talks about his book, “Integral Ecology Ministry” during the 3rd Mindanao Book Festival at the Ateneo de Davao University on May 21, 2026. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO

Raluto has been serving as parish priest of Jesus Nazareno Parish in Libona, Bukidnon since 2021 and has been leading the Integral Ecology Ministry of his Diocese since 2022. He has recently been appointed to lead the Integral Ecology Ministry of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

From 2011 to 2021, he served as Academic Dean of St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Cagayan de Oro where he also teaches fundamental/systematic theology and Catholic social teaching. Among his ecological advocacies are planting/growing Philippine native trees, mountain climbing, and active participation in the cultural and ecological activities of the Indigenous People Apostolate in his Diocese.

Moreno spent grade school, high school and college at the Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City where he served as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in 2003, and Vice President of Social Development in 2005. He was named President of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University in 2007 and Provincial Superior of the Philippine Jesuits in 2011.

The CSCBA Trophy is awarded to a winning entry that scores 90% and above while a Special Citation Plaque is awarded to a winning entry that scores below 90%.

“Today, we celebrate the stories, voices, and people who continue to enrich Catholic literature,” the page of the CSCBA said on Saturday.

The works of the finalists, it said, “remind us of the enduring mission of Catholic publishing: ‘To communicate the Gospel in ways that speak to the realities of our time and lead people toward what is true, good, and life giving.’”

In congratulating the finalists, the awards-giving body said: “May your works continue to reach readers, open conversations, deepen faith, and bring the light of the Gospel into the realities of everyday life.”

“May every book continue to become an instrument of encounter, allowing stories to be heard, human dignity to be seen, and the light of the Gospel to reach more hearts,” it said. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 30 August 2026) – The book of Bukidnon parish priest and MindaNews columnist Fr. Reynaldo Raluto, “Integral Ecolog...

27/08/2026

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 27 August 2026) — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has approved the establishment of the Datu PinTic Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) in Maitum, Sarangani as the province’s 23rd agrarian reform community.

Presenting the Datu PinTic Agrarian Reform Community Development Plan 2027–2031 during the National ARC Task Force deliberations in Quezon City on Wednesday (26 August 2026). Photo from the DAR Sarangani page

The Datu PinTic ARC covers the barangays of Tuanadatu, Pinol and Ticulab and will be subject to the incorporation of comments, suggestions and recommendations from the National Agrarian Reforms Communities Task Force (NARCTF) into its ARC Development Plan, according to the DAR Provincial Office of Sarangani in a Facebook post.

The proposed Datu PinTic ARC Development Plan for 2027 to 2031 was presented by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Oding B. Yusoph and Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer John H. Gamad of the Program Beneficiaries Development Division during the NARCTF deliberations in Quezon City on Wednesday.

The five-year development plan is expected to guide programs and investments aimed at improving the livelihood and productivity of 2,231 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in the three barangays, DAR Sarangani said.

Among its priorities are strengthening farmer organizations, developing sustainable agribusiness and livelihood opportunities, improving farm productivity and market access, and providing better infrastructure and basic services.

The plan also includes measures related to land tenure security and climate resilience, areas considered crucial to the long-term development of farming communities.

DAR Sarangani said the approval marks a new phase for Tuanadatu, Pinol and Ticulab as the communities move toward implementing programs, investments and partnerships identified under the development plan.

The ARC approach of the DAR seeks to bring together agrarian reform beneficiaries and other stakeholders in geographically defined communities to support agricultural productivity, livelihood development and rural transformation.

With Datu PinTic now recognized as an ARC, DAR Sarangani has 23 communities under the program, expanding its efforts to translate land reform gains into sustainable economic opportunities for farmer-beneficiaries in the province. (Justine Paul Paraz / MindaNews)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 27 August 2026) — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has approved the establishment of the Datu PinTi...

(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. H. Marcos C. Mordeno can be reached at boymords@mindanews.com.)

27/08/2026

(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. H. Marcos C. Mordeno can be reached at [email protected].)

(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. H. Marcos C. Morde...

27/08/2026

Students of the Iligan City East National High School in Barangay Sta. Filomena join the long queue, all the way to the street outside campus, as security personnel manually open and check their bags early morning Thursday (27 August 2026). The learners used to just freely enter the government-run school before the August 18 shooting in the Ateneo de Zamboanga University junior high school campus. MindaNews photo by BOBBY TIMONERA

Students of the Iligan City East National High School in Barangay Sta. Filomena join the long queue, all the way to the street outside ...

26/08/2026

VILLANUEVA, Misamis Oriental (MindaNews/26 August 2026)— Alarmed by the series of raids and closures of Chinese-backed steel factories in Mindanao, the local government here deployed a full force of municipal inspectors to inspect the Keim Hing Steel Corporation facility in Barangay San Martin on Wednesday, 26 August.

The team—composed of environmental inspectors, real estate assessors, and tax collectors—found the Keim Hing Steel Corporation manufacturing plant empty of its 400 local workers and 57 Chinese nationals.

Only the firm’s top management officials were present when the team arrived at the factory in Purok 9, Barangay San Martin. These officials then guided inspectors on a tour around the plant.

Keim Hing Steel Corporation Safety Officer Jopet Paguican shows reporters how they check for nuclear radiation using a Geiger Counter Nuclear Radiation Tester. He said radiation may be harmful if the tester registers 1 degree. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

Israel Permi, special assistant to Villanueva Mayor Julio Uy, said the mayor ordered the crackdown after learning that government regulators had raided and closed two other steel plants—Davao Mighty Steel Corporation in Davao City on 14 August 2026, and Philippine Sanjia Steel Corporation in the neighboring town of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, on 2 May 2026.

Permi said Keim Hing Steel Corporation passed municipal scrutiny and complied with all municipal regulations.

However, Permi said the team lacked representatives from the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and other national agencies capable of detecting radioactive materials at the Keim Hing facility.

Permi said the inspection team also did not have representatives from the Bureau of Immigration (BI), which could have verified the legal status and working visas of the Chinese nationals employed at the facility.

A Keim Hing human resources officer said some of the Chinese nationals still have pending work permit applications with the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

“All the Chinese nationals stayed inside the factory compound, where they resided in on-site dormitories. They rarely venture out, and if they do, it is only to buy basic necessities,” Keim Hing chief human resources officer Irish Emano told reporters.

Emano said the firm began hiring Chinese nationals because they were the only ones capable of operating and maintaining the machinery parts imported from China when the factory started operations in 2019.

Meanwhile, Keim Hing Safety Officer Jopet Paguican said the facility produces 250 tons of rebars and angle bars using an induction furnace that processes scrap metal mixed with manganese.

He said most of the raw materials are sourced domestically, unlike other steel factories that rely on imported scrap iron.

“We check the raw materials once they arrive here. We check for radiation and other defects,” Paguicon said.

“The facility of Keim Hing Steel Corporation is one of the three steel factories operating in Villanueva, a 1st class municipality in Misamis Oriental.

Permi said there are two other steel manufacturing factories—the Mindanao Villanueva Steel Mill which has stopped operating, and the San Martin Steel Corporation which has turned its facility into a scrapyard. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

VILLANUEVA, Misamis Oriental (MindaNews/26 August 2026)— Alarmed by the series of raids and closures of Chinese-backed steel factories in M...

25/08/2026

NAAWAN, Misamis Oriental (MindaNews 25 August 2026) — Metropolitan Manila and many other urban areas in the Philippines are submerged under floodwaters when there is a 30-minute to about an hour of downpour. Countless causes have been identified, and solutions proposed and acted upon, but the problem remains because we have not targeted and hit the essential cause.

If there is one to blame for this perennial malady, it is no one but ourselves.

Our easy-go-lucky consumerism and throw-away culture explain all.

We buy bottled water or soda and throw away the plastic bottles anywhere after consuming their contents. One-use plastic bags and other household trash are likewise disposed of anywhere at one’s convenience, all ending up in and clogging old, narrow open canals and natural waterways.

Once, the canals and esteros are overloaded, water spreads over and transforms streets and roads into waterways.

And all the trash and more return to us.

We get stuck in traffic.

We miss school.

We miss work.

We get sick.

We missed our flight.

We blame the government for its ineffective flood control projects, but we don’t blame ourselves for causing the flood.

(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. William R. Adan, Ph.D., is retired professor and former chancellor of Mindanao State University at Naawan, Misamis Oriental)

NAAWAN, Misamis Oriental (MindaNews 25 August 2026) — Metropolitan Manila and many other urban areas in the Philippines are submerged u...

25/08/2026

CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 25 August 2026) — Environmental and human rights lawyer Tony La Viña is preparing a P2-million civil suit against retired Army Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. for allegedly repeatedly red-tagging him on social media.

La Viña told reporters here that he would file the case as soon as he returns to Manila after the Feast of Saint Augustine in Cagayan de Oro this week.

He said he feared for his safety, particularly because his work as an environmental and human rights defender frequently requires him to go on field.

“I want to go to the field without looking over my shoulder. I want freedom of movement without fear ,” La Viña said.

Environmental and human rights lawyer and law professor Antonio La Viña is preparing to sue retired Army Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. for allegedly repeatedly red-tagging him on social media. Photo from Tony La Viña’s social media page

In a statement, the Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM) alleged that Parlade continued red-tagging La Viña due to the lawyer’s support and legal defense of former Bayan Muna representative Satur Ocampo, former ACT Teachers party-list representative France Castro, and the rest of the activists known as the “Talaingod 13.”

“This act by Parlade is a dangerous tactic that has now been squarely denounced by the highest court of the land,” the UPLM said.

The Supreme Court ruled in the case of Siegfred D. Deduro vs. Army Major General Eric Vinoya (G.R. No. 254753) that “red-tagging, vilification, labeling, and guilt by association” threaten a person’s right to life, liberty, or security and may justify a writ of amparo, a legal remedy for protection.

La Viña is from Cagayan de Oro and is a professor of law, philosophy, politics, governance in several universities, including in Mindanao. He was formerly Dean of the Ateneo School of Government at the Ateneo de Manila University.

La Viña has been a human rights lawyer for 36 years. He is currently the managing partner of La Viña Zarate and Associates, a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, and chair of the Jurisprudence and Legal Philosophy Department of the Philippine Judicial Academy.

He is founding president of the Movement Against Disinformation and the founding chair of the Mindanao Climate Justice Resource Facility. He also chairs the Pinoy Media Center and the Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Samdhana Institute. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 25 August 2026) — Environmental and human rights lawyer Tony La Viña is preparing a P2-million civil suit agai...

25/08/2026

ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews / 25 August 2026) – Find time to visit the University Book Fair here that opened Monday and will end on Friday.

“We are grateful for the participation of representatives from schools and educational institutions in Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, and Jolo, Sulu, as well as librarians and library professionals from across the region,” Lynnie Calingacion, Library Director, told MindaNews.

This year’s theme is “Read. Reflect. Reconcile. Flourish. Advancing Human Flourishing through Books.”

The venue of the fair is the Fr. Jose T. Bacatan Library in the Salvador Campus.

Book lovers visit the 18th University Book Fair of Ateneo de Zamboanga University Fr. Jose T. Bacatan Library. The book fair opened on Monday, August 24, 2026 and will end on Friday, August 28. MindaNews photo by FRENCIE L. CARREON

Calingacion said the 18th University Book Fair of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) was organized to provide students, faculty, researchers, and the wider academic community access to current academic, professional, and scholarly resources.

It also provides faculty members an opportunity to identify and recommend materials that support teaching, research, and the curricular needs of their respective programs, she said.

According to Calingacion, this year’s participating exhibitors and suppliers include Belview, Superpages, MegaText, LINAR, Great Books, C&E Publishing, New Century Books, CD Books, F&J De Jesus, and Rex Book Store,” she added.

Diverse titles are on display — from scholarly works and historical studies to novels, children’s literature, and contemporary essays.

Ateneo de Zamboanga University Library Director Lynnie Calingacion, MindaNews correspondent Frencie Carreon, and the book fair’s guest speaker, Ivie Vecina-Kanindot of the University President’s Office. Photo by DEOCARLO FRANCO CARREON

Guest speaker Ivie Vecina-Kanindot of the University President’s Office told MindaNews the book fair was “a meaningful experience for me, especially because this year’s theme gave me a chance to look back at my own relationship with books and how that has changed over the years. I also appreciated the audience. They were attentive and responsive, especially during the personal parts of the talk, and that made the sharing easier for me.”

Josefina Bello-Malindog, librarian of Pilar College, noted that the book fair showcases different titles of books in various disciplines “which can be used by academicians, library clients and other stakeholders.”

Agness Lim of the American Corner said she appreciates the variety of books and resources available, “and the opportunity to discover new materials that could support our academic community.”

“It was also a great platform to connect with booksellers, faculty and staff, and other library professionals,” she said. (Frencie Carreon / MindaNews)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews / 25 August 2026) – Find time to visit the University Book Fair here that opened Monday and will end on Friday. ...

25/08/2026

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 25 August 2026) – Five of Metrobank Foundation’s 10 Outstanding Filipino Teachers, Soldiers, and Police Officers for 2026 are from Mindanao.

Given by the Metrobank Foundation, the Outstanding Filipinos award is dubbed the “most prestigious career-service award in the academe, military, and police sectors” and its awardees this year were selected for their “innovative contributions, exemplary leadership, and sustained commitment to the people and institutions they serve.”

“Beyond Excellence” is this year’s theme and the awards rites will be held on September 4 at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Taguig City.

Five of Metrobank Foundation’s 0 Outstanding Filipinos are from Mindanao (L to R): Outstanding Teachers Jefferson A. Hora of Iligan City, Sheila Marie M. Amigo of Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Cecilia O. Bucayong of Maramag, Bukidon; and Outstanding Soldiers Staff Sergeant Joebelle O. Cerdinio in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay and Staff Sergeant John Daren P. Noche in Butuan City. Photos courtesy of Metrobank Foundation

The Outstanding Filipino Teachers are Sheila Marie M. Amigo, Master Teacher I of Siay National High School in Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay; Cecilia O. Bucayong, PhD, Professor VI and Director of the Office of Environmental and Safety Management at Central Mindanao University in Maramag, Bukidnon; Jefferson A. Hora, PhD, Professor VI and Dean of the College of Engineering at Mindanao State University– Iligan Institute of Technology in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte; and Emmanuel D. Guarde, PhD, Master Teacher III of Cornelio Lintawagin Memorial Elementary School in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

The Outstanding Filipino Soldiers are Staff Sergeant Joebelle O. Cerdinio (SC) PA, Signal Non-Commissioned Officer of the 102nd Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; Staff Sergeant John Daren P. Noche PAF, Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge for Safety of the Tactical Operations Group 10, Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao, Philippine Air Force in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte; and Lieutenant Colonel Rommel M. Geli PN(M), Commanding Officer of Marine Battalion Landing Team 9, 3rd Marine Brigade, Philippine Marine Corps in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

The Outstanding Filipino Police Officers are Police Master Sergeant Dwight Alexis B. Supsupin, Team Leader of the Technical Support Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15, Police Regional Office CAR, Philippine National Police in La Trinidad, Benguet; Police Major Baby Rose P. Cajulao, Chief of the Community Affairs Section, Regional Community Affairs and Development Division, Police Regional Office 2, Philippine National Police in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; and Police Lieutenant Colonel Robert R. Mansueto, Deputy Provincial Director for Administration of the Antique Police Provincial Office, Police Regional Office 6, Philippine National Police in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique.

Outstanding Teachers and Soldiers from Mindanao

Three of four Outstanding Teachers are from Mindanao: Amigo of Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay for “transforming science education through innovative, inclusive, and community-centered programs that inspire curiosity, empower fellow educators, and bring quality learning to every student;” Bucayong of Maramag, Bukidnon for “advancing STEM education through innovative physics teaching, groundbreaking instructional tools, and research that has empowered thousands of students and educators across Mindanao and beyond;” and Hora of Iligan City for “pioneering integrated circuit design research in Mindanao, mentoring the next generation of engineers, and helping position the region as a growing hub for semiconductor innovation.”

Two of three Outstanding Filipino Soldiers are from Mindanao: Cerdinio and Noche.

Cerdinio is being awarded for his “innovative contributions to military and public safety communications across Western Mindanao,” from co-developing the GESCON command-and-control platform to helping establish a unified radio network serving 16 municipalities, thereby strengthening emergency response, public safety, and coordination among responders;” and Noche, described as a “soldier-innovator” who “taught himself computer programming to develop digital systems that improved personnel accountability, armory management, and mission risk assessment, cutting assessment time from hours to seconds and contributing to safer operations.”

Noche during the pandemic also “helped establish his unit’s COVID-19 testing capability, safeguarding hundreds of military personnel, their families, and civilians.”

Each awardee will receive one million pesos, net of tax, and the coveted “Flame” trophy from the Metrobank Foundation. They will also receive the Medallion of Excellence, to be conferred by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in Malacañan Palace.

The Foundation has recognized a total of 735 Outstanding Filipinos—392 teachers, 178 soldiers, and 165 police officers – since its establishment in 1985 by the late Metrobank Group chair Dr. George S.K. Ty.

Metrobank Foundation’s press release quoted MBFI President Philip Francisco U. Dy as saying that “Outstanding Filipinos are more than exemplary teachers, soldiers, and police officers. They are role models who inspire others to serve with integrity, excellence, and purpose. As we honor their achievements, we also celebrate the values they represent and the impact they will continue to have on future generations of Filipinos.”

Nominees nationwide had to go through a multi-stage assessment by six panels of the Board of Assessors and a final selection interview by the Final Board of Judges, chaired by Senator Ping Lacson and co-chaired by Supreme Court Associate Justice Jhosep Lopez, and members – Mayor Nancy Binay of Makati City; Manolito Tayag, chair of the Philippine Business for Social Progress; and Pinky Webb of Bilyonaryo News Channel.(MindaNews)

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 25 August 2026) – Five of Metrobank Foundation’s 10 Outstanding Filipino Teachers, Soldiers, and Police Officers fo...

24/08/2026

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/24 August 2026) — The Social Action Center of the Diocese Marbel is calling for greater transparency in the proposed joint venture between the South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO II) and Ignite Power, including an independent investigation into the cooperative’s operations and the deferment of the planned plebiscite on the agreement.

The center posted the three-page appeal on its page at 12:55 p.m. on Aug. 20. The document, dated the same day, was signed by Bro. Manuel V. de Leon, FMS, president of Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, under the banner “For the Protection of SOCOTECO II MCOs (COPS-MCOs).”

The appeal urged SOCOTECO II member-consumer-owners (MCOs) to examine the proposed Conditional Joint Venture Agreement with Ignite Power, saying decisions involving the cooperative’s assets, operations and future should be based on adequate information and member participation.

Ignite Power is a joint venture energy company formed by Enrique Razon Jr.’s Primelectric Holdings Inc. and Manny Pacquiao’s MP Holdings Inc.

SOCOTECO II workers repair downed power poles along the General Santos-Maasim highway in Sitio Asnalang, Barangay Tinoto, Maasim, Sarangani, after a late-night truck collision on August 28. Image courtesy of SOCOTECO II page

Among the questions raised by the appeal, it asked about what the cooperative would give up under the proposed arrangement, what it would receive in return, the risks involved, available alternatives, and what would serve the common good.

The appeal also emphasized the role of the Annual General Membership Assembly (AGMA), describing it as the cooperative’s highest governing and policymaking body and the venue where member-consumer-owners can exercise their voting power, review reports and hold cooperative officials accountable.

The statement also questioned proceedings during SOCOTECO II’s 43rd AGMA on July 25, particularly the adoption of Resolution No. 104 concerning the proposed Conditional Joint Venture Agreement.

It alleged that the Board of Directors, headed by Board President Elenito Senit, declared a motion to affirm and adopt the resolution and enter into the agreement without a vote being taken.

SAC-Marbel also questioned the subsequent motion to submit the agreement to a plebiscite or referendum, arguing that it was based on a previous motion that, according to the statement, had not been duly approved through a vote establishing the number of votes for or against.

SOCOTECO II’s own public advisories confirm that its 43rd AGMA was held on July 25 at a main hub in Apopong, General Santos City, with satellite venues in General Santos City and Sarangani Province.

The appeal also cited allegations of bribery, misleading information, personal attacks and online trolling in the campaign surrounding the proposed joint venture. It expressed concern about what it described as the possible normalization of such practices.

It further warned against the possible entry of large investors and political dynasties through the privatization or takeover of basic utilities.

The allegations and characterizations in the statement were not accompanied by supporting evidence in the three-page document.

Meanwhile, SAC-Marbel is calling on the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to conduct an independent investigation or forensic audit of SOCOTECO II’s managerial, technical and financial operations.

It also urged members of the House of Representatives from the area to hold a congressional inquiry into the proposed Conditional Joint Venture Agreement, saying this would protect the interests of member-consumer-owners.

The group likewise called for the deferment of the plebiscite until what it described as all legal and administrative requirements have been complied with.

SOCOTECO II has scheduled the plebiscite on the proposed Conditional Joint Venture Agreement with Ignite Power over four weekends — Sept. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27, 2026. The cooperative said its district-wide information, education and communication campaign began Aug. 7 to explain the proposed agreement and the plebiscite process

The appeal also encouraged MCOs to join a prayer rally scheduled on 29 August 2026 to call for transparency, accountability, and the active participation of members. (Justine Paul Paraz/MindaNews)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/24 August 2026) — The Social Action Center of the Diocese Marbel is calling for greater transparency in the ...

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