Counterpoint: STATEMENT OF SUPPORT

Philippine Independent Power Producers Association (PIPPA)

The member generators of the Philippine Independent Power Producers Association (PIPPA) are deeply alarmed by the most recent six-month suspension of the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) Chairwoman, Atty. Mona Dimalanta. Based on the reports available to us, the basis for the suspension seemed to be anchored on alleged grounds that are unfounded and without proper basis.

The entire industry has worked with the current chairwoman in her roles prior to accepting this recent post. Atty. Dimalanta consistently performs her duties with professionalism and in accordance with the code of conduct expected of her as a lawyer and a public servant. In the past decade, she contributed to growth of the energy sector in her capacity as a private and public servant, depending on the nature of the responsibilities she chose to pursue.

We generators hope that this matter will be resolved soonest since the suspension of our ERC chairperson affects the whole industry. We are currently pushing for reforms in the system and other items that we believe will address energy security and reliability. The industry cannot afford a commission without its chair. We hope that all stakeholders unite in its support to the ERC chair. Energy security is crucial to this country, and it is only when we are together, setting aside our differences, that we can truly move forward to a future with stable, reliable, and cost-efficient power.