The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) expressed support for Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chair Monalisa Dimalanta who faces a six-month preventive suspension by the Ombudsman.
MAP said it is deeply concerned about the potential impact of the suspension on the energy sector, when it faces critical and urgent challenges affecting Filipinos.
“In past interactions with chair Dimalanta, we have been consistently impressed by her professionalism and clear dedication to improving the country’s energy sector. The Electric Power Industry Reform Act [EPIRA] established the ERC as an independent, quasi-judicial, and regulatory body,” the group said in a statement.
MAP noted the ERC chair’s steadfast commitment to upholding EPIRA’s principles in pursuit of the ERC’s mission and the public interest.
The business group highlighted a notable achievement under Dimalanta’s leadership which was the promulgation of ERC Resolution 11 s. 2022. The reform encourages renewable energy consumers to become both energy producers and consumers and streamlines the permitting process, facilitating off-grid rural electrification with renewable energy.
“We believe that her efforts to address long-standing issues within the sector and streamline the regulatory system, despite significant resource constraints, demonstrate a strong sense of objectivity and fairness in pursuit of the common good. As a collegial body, the ERC relies on collaboration,” MAP said.
It said the suspension of the ERC chair could disrupt operations and unduly delay the approval of crucial permits and licenses, decisions on pending cases, and the implementation of much-needed energy sector reforms.
The group said the Philippines needs to rapidly enhance its energy sector to compete with its neighbors, attract investments in infrastructure and job creation and meet its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.
