President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed lawyer Francis Saturnino Juan as the new chairperson of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and two new ERC commissioners, Malacañang announced yesterday.
In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that Juan’s appointment will take effect on August 8.
The new ERC commissioners, Amante Liberato and Paris Real, will assume office effective immediately, she said.
“Chairperson Juan will steer the ERC toward more efficient, transparent, and pro-consumer decision-making,” Castro said.
“We are confident that Chairperson Juan’s deep institutional knowledge and leadership will ensure a smooth transition,” she added.
Juan replaces Monalisa Dimalanta who tendered her irrevocable resignation effective Aug. 8, 2025.
Liberato currently serves as Deputy Executive Secretary for Finance and Administration at the Office of the President.
A lawyer and certified public accountant, he previously worked with the Commission on Audit (COA) and held consultancy roles in both legislative and executive agencies.
Real, on the other hand, is a lawyer with over two decades of experience, including more than 10 years of active participation in major ERC regulatory proceedings.
“These appointments reflect the President’s commitment to energizing the ERC with leaders who uphold integrity, transparency, and public service,” Castro said.
Meanwhile, the energy sector strongly welcomed the appointment by Malacanang of three commissioners to the Energy Regulatory Commission led by chairperson Juan and lauded the President for his swift action to avoid further regulatory lags.
In a statement, the Philippine Independent Power Producers Association (PIPPA), the professional organization of independent power producers said:
“We are confident that chair Nino Juan will continue to pave the way for energy modernization, promoting regulation that is best for all sectors to ensure energy security, reliability, and efficiency… PIPPA looks forward to a dynamic ERC in the coming years of their service.”
The Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance, composed of solar industry stakeholders, commended the President for his swift action on the appointment of Juan, former executive director of the ERC.
“This ensures minimum disruption on the critical work pending before the Commission,” PSSEA chair and founder Tetchi Capellan said.
“The industry welcomes Atty Juan and celebrates his return to the Commission. He is a qualified replacement who has broad knowledge and deep understanding of the job,” she said.
Capellan said that during his time in the Commission, Juan has shown resolve amidst bureaucratic challenges; displayed good judgement and compassion ensuring consumer protection and fair return to power producers.
Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) president Emmanuel Rubio said Juan’s deep regulatory expertise and extensive experience are valuable assets in strengthening regulatory frameworks, ensuring market transparency, and advancing 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. We look forward to working closely with Atty. Juan and the ERC in supporting policies that foster innovation, encourage responsible investments, and build a resilient and sustainable power sector for the Philippines,” Rubio said.
The Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. (PHILRECA) said the new appointments mark a new chapter for the country’s energy regulatory body.
Atty. Janeene Depay-Colingan, PHILRECA executive director and general manager said Juan has invaluable institutional knowledge of the power industry’s complexities.
“Coupled with the robust legal and administrative backgrounds of Commissioners Liberato and Real, we are confident that this new leadership will bring renewed vigor, expertise, and a balanced perspective to the Commission’s vital role,” Colingan said.
PHILRECA called on the new ERC leadership to prioritize the following critical areas that are vital for the stability and growth of electric cooperatives and the welfare of consumers:
It urged the commission to accelerate the resolution of pending over and under recoveries, given its detrimental effects to the financial and operational sustainability of electric cooperatives.
PHILRECA also appealed for the swift approval of pending applications, particularly those concerning capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects, power supply agreements (PSAs), and competitive selection process (CSP) outcomes.
“These approvals are fundamental for ECs to undertake critical system upgrades, secure stable and affordable power supply, expand electrification, and enhance the overall reliability and efficiency of their services. Delays in these approvals directly impede our ability to serve our member-consumer-owners effectively,” Colingan said.
The group appealed for the ERC to hold in abeyance ERC Resolution No. 13, Series of 2024.
It said that while the “Omnibus Rules for Customer Choice Programs in the Retail Market” materializes the objectives of the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA), this still requires thorough reconsideration with regard to the immediate impact on the operations electric cooperatives and the quality of service they provide to their member-consumer-owners.
“We affirm that the sudden reduction of connected load due to the implementation of this resolution could severely impair the financial viability of electric cooperatives, due to the fact that, revenues decrease while regulatory obligations and maintenance costs remain unchanged. We recommend that this subject be subject to further study and consultation with electric cooperatives and other affected stakeholders,” Colingan said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “President Marcos appoints Francis Saturnino Juan as new ERC chief”
