(A Media Release by the Grievance & Disputes Committee)
The outcome of a public hearing held on 17 June 2012 was released by Bicol Inc. declaring Neria Soliman as the official second representative from Albay. Ross Iglesia is the duly elected Chairman of Bicol Inc.
The dispute arose from a protest made by Josie Musa who asked that her 22 new members be allowed to vote. But during the public hearing which was attended by 25 financial members, a final decision was made by the Grievance and Disputes Committee. Through her advocate, Mr Bobby Lastica, Soliman presented evidence and other supporting documents regarding the ineligibility to vote by these 22 new members [recruited by Musa.]
Among the points raised was the fact that 21 new members have not completed the minimum 3 months membership requirement prior to election. That made them ineligible to vote. Among the 22 new recruits, only 1 was eligible to vote.
The final official tally resulted in 30 votes for Musa and 36 votes in favor of Soliman. Josie Musa and her supporters were conspicuously absent from the public hearing in spite of various correspondence from the Grievance and Disputes Committee and the newly-elected Chairperson of Bicol Inc, Mr. Ross Iglesia.