Kumoi decries ‘defamatory’ letter

Former senator Ramon Guerrero has decried the decision of the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. board of directors to reject his proposal to provide consulting services to the firm.

In an Oct. 6 letter to the CUC chair, Guerrero blamed the CUC board’s decision on an “anonymous” letter that reportedly contained defamatory statements regarding his personal and professional credibility and technical expertise.

Copies of the unsigned letter were distributed to the members before their Sept. 28 meeting, when Guerrero’s proposal was discussed.

Guerrero, who has also served as CUC executive director, said criticism is nothing new to him, as he has dealt with it many times over the years.

“However, in this case, my concern is the unprofessional manner [with which] such a letter was used to influence the votes of the CUC board members, without any protocol of due process or an opportunity of rebuttal on my behalf,” Guerrero said. “In doing so, I must believe that it was done as an apparent vilification to promote your personal agenda versus that of the corporation and the betterment of the utility services provided to its customers.”

Guerrero’s proposal was brought to the board by CUC vice chair Herman P. Sablan, who had asked the body to consider hiring Guerrero as a consultant for one year. Sablan said Guerrero’s past experience and knowledge of CUC’s power generation and distribution system will help improve the government firm’s operations.

The proposal, however, was rejected after it failed to gather enough votes. Only Sablan and board member Joe Torres voted in favor of the proposal. Board members Rufina Miles and Allen Perez voted against it, while CUC chair Francisco Q. Guerrero and board member Velma Ann Palacios abstained.

In an interview, CUC chair Guerrero denied that the board’s vote was influenced in any way by the anonymous letter.

“Some members did not even open it,” he said.

CUC’s Guerrero said he did not have the slightest idea who sent the letter, which he said warned the board of the former senator’s alleged misconduct in office. He, however, expressed belief that it was sent by an elected official, based on the words used in the message.

The chairman said the CUC board is considering putting out a request of proposal for consultancy services.

He said the former senator would be welcome to submit a proposal. “That way, he can compete with others and prove that he’s qualified and capable,” Guerrero said.