Another Cebuano replaces outgoing ERC commissioner

Another Cebuano was appointed to complete the roster of new commissioners of the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Jose Reyes, who obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Arts from the University of San Carlos, replaced another Cebuano, former commissioner Jesus Alcordo whose term expired early this month.

Reyes, along with another newly appointed commissioner, lawyer Maria Theresa Castañeda, took their oath of office just recently. They completed the five-member commission headed by ERC chairman Rodolfo Albano, Jr.

"The ERC is pleased with President Arroyo's appointment of the two commissioners considering their knowledge of the electricity industry and the regulatory functions of the Commission," Albano said.

Reyes took his oath of office last August 8 and immediately participated in the commission's public hearings.

After a long career with the leading petroleum company in the country, Reyes' track record in the electricity industry started with an executive position with an independent power producer and later with the National Power Corporation.

"Joe", as he is called, also completed a course in Petroleum Management from the Arthur D. Little Management Educational Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

On the other hand, Castañeda took her oath of office on July 11, after replacing former commissioner Oliver Butalid whose term expired last July 10.

Castañeda rose from the ranks as she entered the Energy Regulatory Board, ERC's predecessor, as Attorney III shortly after passing the Bar in 1992. In less than two years, she was promoted as chief of the Hearing Division that eventually led to her appointment as Director of the Legal Service in 2000. Hard work paved the way to her appointment as executive director of the ERC last year. So far, she is the youngest member of the Commission since its creation in year 2001.

"The Commission is very happy for the promotion of its executive director, Castañeda, to commissioner. She deserves where she is now because of the competence, diligence and integrity she has established and maintained over the years," Albano said.

He also clarified that the vacancies in the ERC came about due to the expiration of terms of its former commissioners Alcordo and Butalid, and not due to their resignation. - Wenna A. Berondo