Nasecore on ERC OIC: ‘Nothing to say, expect’

MANILA, Philippines — The consumer group that instigated the suspension of Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta holds low expectations for her temporary replacement.

This followed the appointment of Justice Undersecretary Hermogenes Andres, the executive director of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, as officer-in-charge chairman and CEO of the ERC.

According to a Sept. 20 memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the designation was made to “ensure the continuous and effective delivery of public service.”

Andres’ appointment, which took effect immediately, came as a surprise, as interim ERC chiefs have historically been selected from among the four commissioners.

Pete Ilagan, president of the National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms Inc. (Nasecore), told The STAR there is “nothing much to say and expect” from Andres, given that his tenure is limited to just six months.

“We would really expect someone independent and with a background in rate setting and regulation. Otherwise, pabigat lang sa (he’ll just be a burden to the) ERC directors and commissioners, to the prejudice of the consumers,” he added.

Earlier this month, the Office of the Ombudsman slapped Dimalanta with a six-month preventive suspension without pay over alleged grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority and conduct prejudicial to public service.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Nasecore regarding delays in the rate reset of power distribution giant Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).

At a recent media forum, Dimalanta confirmed that she filed a motion for reconsideration with the Office of the Ombudsman, maintaining that the grounds for her suspension are moot because the ERC already decided on the issue raised against her.

The decision on Meralco’s rate application, according to Dimalanta, was finalized on Aug. 21, which was before the Office of the Ombudsman’s issued order dated Aug. 27.

Believing that the case is a misunderstanding, Dimalanta has vowed to improve the commission’s measures for transparency to avoid similar cases in the future.

President Marcos appointed Dimalanta as chairperson of the ERC in 2022, and her term is set to run until July 2029.