THE National Power Corp. (Napocor) has named Melchor P. Ridulme as the officer-in-charge (OIC) of the government entity who will serve until President Rodrigo R. Duterte nominates a new chief executive officer.
Mr. Ridulme’s designation, which was announced on Wednesday, comes after the passing of Napocor’s former chief Pio J. Benavidez on Tuesday after a heart attack.
Mr. Duterte’s nominee will be formally elected by the board.
Before his appointment, Mr. Ridulme served as Napocor’s vice-president and legal counsel.
“As the OIC-President, Atty. Ridulme is authorized to act on and approve urgent matters concerning the operations of Napocor,” the government corporation said in an e-mailed statement.
The OIC-president has the authority to sign contracts related to procurement of goods and services; approve disbursements of the corporation’s legitimate financial transactions; release funds and approve payroll of employees and personnel; issue office orders and memoranda, and sign promotional appointments of employees, among others.
Mr. Ridulme is the youngest vice-president of the state-led corporation. He chaired Napocor’s anti-red tape and investigative committee and was the country coordinator for the heads of ASEAN power utilities and authorities.
In a statement posted on its Facebook page, Napocor announced the passing of the company’s former chief.
“Boss Pio, as he is fondly called by everyone, is a tough leader who braves through any challenge while still having the capacity to be compassionate for others. He paved new roads for his people to tread on, he generously shared and taught his knowledge and experience, and has devotedly loved public service since day one in 1974,” the statement read.
Mr. Benavidez helmed Napocor as its president and CEO from April 2017 to June 2021. — Angelica Y. Yang
