Marcos names new ERC chief, 2 commissioners

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has appointed a new chairman and two commissioners of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), averting a lack of quorum that could have affected the decision-making process of the energy regulator.

Francis Saturnino Juan, president of the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines, has been named ERC chairman, replacing Monalisa Dimalanta who had submitted her irrevocable resignation to the Office of the President (OP).

Marcos also filled the vacancies caused by the retirement of two ERC commissioners by appointing lawyers Amante Liberato and Paris Real. They succeeded Alexis Lumbatan and Catherine Maceda, who retired from the commission on July 10 after finishing their seven-year terms.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the appointments to the ERC would take effect on Aug. 8.

The Electric Power Industry Reform Act, the law that formed the ERC, states that at least three commissioners are needed to constitute a quorum. If no appointment was made after Dimalanta’s resignation, the commission would have been left with just two commissioners.

Prior to his appointment as ERC chairman, Juan served as an executive director and general counsel of the energy regulator.

“He (Juan) has played a key role in operationalizing the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, advocating consumer protection and promoting renewable energy development through tariff reforms,” Castro yesterday said.
“With his deep institutionalized knowledge and leadership, we are confident that chairperson Juan will steer the ERC toward more efficient, transparent and pro-consumer decision-making. We look forward to (a) smooth and seamless transition under his chairmanship,” she added.

Liberato, a lawyer and certified public accountant, is the deputy executive secretary for finance and administration at the OP.

Castro said Liberato’s strong background in fiscal management and regulatory policy would be vital in supporting institutional reforms within the ERC.
“He (Liberato) brings extensive experience in public finance, legal reform and governance having previously served with the Commission on Audit and in various consultancy roles across the legislative and executive branches,” the Palace press officer said.
Castro described Real as a seasoned litigator and a legal adviser with more than two decades of experience, including active participation in high impact ERC regulatory proceedings for more than 10 years
“He (Real) is known for his focus on legal integrity, consumer protection that is expected to strengthen the commission’s quasi-judicial processes,” she added.

Castro said the ERC appointments reflected Marcos’ commitment to “energizing the ERC with leaders who uphold integrity, transparency and public service.”

Power producers, developers and electric cooperatives have welcomed the appointment of lawyers Juan, Liberato and Real to the ERC.

Pangilinan-led Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen) said Juan’s “deep regulatory expertise and extensive experience” would strengthen market transparency and ensure consumer protection.

“His appointment comes at a critical time, as the industry continues to navigate the demands of the energy transition while safeguarding affordability and reliability,” MGen president and CEO Emmanuel Rubio said.

ACEN Corp. president and CEO Eric Francia called the recent appointments a “positive development,” adding that the incoming ERC chief’s expertise would be key to addressing the agency’s backlog.

Similarly, the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc. (Philreca) expressed its full support to the seasoned energy expert while highlighting key priorities to promote the growth and stability of the power sector.

“Our electric cooperatives are at the forefront of delivering power to more than 16 million Filipino households, especially in rural areas. The decisions made by the commission directly impact the affordability and reliability of electricity for our member-consumer-owners,” Philreca executive director and general manager Janeene Depay-Colingan said.

The Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance (PSSEA) thanked President Marcos for his “swift action” on the appointments, saying the move ensures minimal disruption at the ERC.

“We look forward to working with Atty. Juan, and we pray that he be constantly guided by national interest, as well as the Holy Spirit, in performing his task as ERC chair,” PSSEA said.

Energy watchdog Power for People Coalition (P4P), meanwhile, has vowed to remain vigilant to ensure the ERC protects consumer interests. – Brix Lelis