THE National Power Corp. (Napocor) has appointed Melchor Paz Redulme as officer-in-charge (OIC) following the demise of Napocor President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pio Benavidez.

Ridulme, Napocor’s vice president and legal counsel, will be the OIC until a new CEO is nominated by President Rodrigo Duterte and formally elected by the National Power Board in accordance with the existing rules and regulations, and other administrative requirements.

“As the OIC President, Atty. Ridulme is authorized to act on and approve urgent matters concerning the operations of Napocor,” the state-run corporation said in a statement on Wednesday.

This includes the signing of contracts relating to the procurement of goods and services; approving disbursements of the corporation’s legitimate financial transactions; releasing funds and approve payroll of employees and personnel; issuing office orders and memoranda; and signing promotional appointments of employees.

Ridulme has been the youngest vice president of Napocor and has held his current position for the past ten years.

He also sits as the chair of Napocor’s Committee on Anti-Red Tape and Investigative Committee pertaining to the corporation’s whistle-blowing policy.

Ridulme is also the country coordinator of the Philippines for the heads of Asean Power Utilities and Authorities. Asean is the Association of Southeast Asia Nations.

He obtained his degree in Political Science-Economics from the University of the Philippines and completed his law studies at San Beda College.

Benavidez passed away due to a fatal heart attack last Tuesday. He was 69 years old.

His remains will be brought to Napocor for a tribute and public viewing on Thursday until Saturday.