Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta yesterday tendered her irrevocable resignation, surprising industry leaders and groups.
In a brief message to Palace-based reporters, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed that Dimalanta tendered her “irrevocable resignation.”
“She did (resign). Irrevocable resignation,” Castro said.
The energy sector was caught off guard by the sudden resignation of Dimalanta, who was appointed to a term set to expire in 2029. The Palace has yet to announce whether her resignation has been accepted or who will be appointed in her place.
Reports said Dimalanta announced her resignation during the ERC’s flag-raising ceremony on Monday. She had filed her resignation letter, addressed to the Office of the President, through the Office of Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on July 10.
Dimalanta earlier acknowledged stepping down but deferred to the Palace for any official announcement. “Unless there is any announcement from Malacañang, nothing is official. We should never preempt the appointing authority,” she said.
Coinciding with Dimalanta’s exit, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday swore in Sharon Garin as the new Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE).
“I take on this role at a critical time for our country’s energy future—when we must balance the priorities of energy security, sustainability, and affordability,” Garin said in a statement.
“I would like to assure the members of the energy family and our partners in the public and private sectors of the Department’s steadfast commitment to the continuity of energy sector policies and reform initiatives,” she added.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, former chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, called Dimalanta’s resignation a significant loss to the government.
“Her unwavering commitment to integrity has been instrumental in steering the commission. Her dedication to consumer welfare and regulatory transparency set a high bar,” Gatchalian said.
“I hope her successor will demonstrate the same commitment to fair and effective governance that ensures both consumer protection and energy sector development,” he added.
Janeene Depay-Colingan, executive director and general manager of the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (PHILRECA), echoed similar sentiments.
“We value the harmonious working relationship we had with Madam Chair. Her departure is a great loss, especially considering the momentum we had built. There are many crucial matters concerning our member electric cooperatives that were pending discussion with her office,” Depay-Colingan said.
She added that PHILRECA remains open to working with Dimalanta’s successor and hopes the next ERC chief will be “well-versed in the complexities of the energy sector and have a genuine commitment to rural electrification.”
National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) spokesperson Cynthia Perez-Alabanza also expressed surprise over Dimalanta’s resignation but remained confident in the continuity of ERC’s functions.
“The ERC is a continuing body. Even with vacancies, I am confident the government will ensure that its crucial regulatory work continues unhampered,” Alabanza said. “We await any official announcement from the administration.”
The Power for People Coalition (P4P) likewise thanked Dimalanta for her service, recognizing her efforts to introduce reforms that benefited consumers despite various challenges.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Dimalanta tenders ‘irrevocable resignation’ as ERC chief—Palace”
