The energy sector has expressed surprise following the resignation of Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairperson and chief executive Monalisa Dimalanta.
The development comes as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday swore in Sharon Garin as the new Department of Energy (DOE) secretary.
While Dimalanta has remained silent on her resignation, the Palace confirmed she submitted an “irrevocable” letter of resignation. However, it did not announce whether the resignation had been accepted.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, former co-chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy, described Dimalanta’s departure as “a big loss to the government.”
“Her unwavering commitment to integrity has been instrumental in steering the commission, and her dedication to consumer welfare and regulatory transparency set a high bar,” Gatchalian said.
“I hope that her successor will have the same dedication to fair and effective governance of the energy sector that will ensure the welfare of consumers and the stability and development of the entire sector,” the senator said.
NGCP spokesperson Cynthia Perez-Alabanza also expressed surprise at Dimalanta’s resignation.
“The ERC is a continuing body. Even though there will be vacancies, I am sure that the government and administration will ensure that the crucial work is given to them and to ensure the continuous development of the energy industry as well as the balance, the interests will go on unhampered. We are awaiting any official announcement from the current administration on this,” said Alabanza.
The Power for People Coalition (P4P) thanked Dimalanta for her service, acknowledging her efforts to advance reforms that served consumer interests despite challenging circumstances.
Meanwhile, Garin said she is taking on the role as DOE secretary at a critical time for the country’s energy future — “when we must balance the priorities of energy security, sustainability, and affordability.”
“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,” Garin said in a statement.
