Preventive Suspension of ERC Chairman – STATEMENT OF SUPPORT
Reactions and Comments:
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Philippine Exporters Confederation and the Employers Confederation of the Philippines express their full and unequivocal support to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the leadership of its chairperson, Atty. Monalisa Dimalanta.
Since the appointment of Atty. Dimalanta as chairperson, the ERC has become more active in addressing issues in the industry, acknowledging the important role of energy and power to attract investments, improving the productivity of local industries and enterprises and enhancing the country’s economic competitiveness.
The initial reset of the transmission and distribution rates of ERC’s regulated entities, the integration of ERC processes into the Energy Virtual One Shared System (EVOSS), the issuance of the revised rules and guidelines on Certificates of Compliance and Competitive Selection Process (CSP), are just a few of the milestones the ERC has achieved under Atty. Dimalanta.
Faced with tremendous legacy challenges to the power sector over the years, the ERC, under the leadership of Atty. Dimalanta, has taken a pro-active stance in its rate and service regulation functions, in promoting competitive operations of the electric power industry and education campaign for consumer protection.
On behalf of the business sector, energy investors and consumers alike, we express our concern over the 6-month Ombudsman suspension order. It may lead to a disruption in the workings of the ERC, which may impact consumers, businesses and producers alike. This decision along with other recent decisions by the judiciary puts at risk the trust, independence and authority of the ERC. Regulators are essential to fostering an environment where investors will invest, consumers are protected, and economic growth is sustainable.
We advocate for a swift and transparent resolution of the suspension to restore the integrity of the ERC and its Commission, so that it may continue its mission to enforce energy regulations on behalf of Philippine consumers, business, and energy investors.
