Axed NEA chief says graft allegations are baseless

Dismissed National Electrification Administration (NEA) chief Edgardo Masongsong on Saturday insisted that allegations of graft against him have no basis.

In a taped briefing aired Saturday morning, President Rodrigo Duterte announced that he fired Masongsong, after the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission's (PACC) recommendation for removal. 

Masongsong, however, acknowledged that he has been relieved from his post due to allegations of corruption.

“These are allegations that I have addressed in the course of the PACC's inquiry into these accusations, and the records will show that I have fully cooperated with the PACC––fully confident in the knowledge that these allegations are baseless, and that if granted due process and the opportunity to defend myself I can establish that I am innocent of any wrongdoing,” Masongsong said.

“In fact, a review of the NEA's Commission on Audit (COA) reports will show that at the time of the PACC's allegations, there were no COA findings that there was wastage of government funds nor a whiff of corruption,” he added.

Masongsong noted that during his tenure as NEA chief, the agency twice received the highest audit rating from COA, “evidence of the agency's efforts towards transparency in its financial operations.”

Nonetheless, Masongsong said he is yet to receive a formal notice instructing him to step down as NEA administrator.

“I am ready to turn over my responsibilities to whomever is designated as NEA Officer in Charge once I am ordered to do so –– to ensure that the services of NEA continue smoothly for the benefit of the electric cooperatives (ECs) and the consumers the NEA is mandated to serve,” he said.

“For close to two decades I have served the EC movement in various capacities; as EC general manager, organizer, and representative in Congress. My track record speaks for itself, as this was one of the bases on which the President appointed me NEA Administrator,” he added.

Masongsong said he will always be grateful to the President for giving him the opportunity “to serve the sector I love, and thank my NEA family for their steadfast support.”

“Notwithstanding this recent turn of events, I will continue to serve the EC and MCO (Member-Consumer-Owner) movement and our people to the best of my ability,” he said. —LBG, GMA News