The remaining four commissioners of the Energy Regulatory Commission have nominated commissioner Alfredo Non as officer-in-charge in the wake of the preventive suspension of the government agency’s chairman, Jose Vicente Salazar.
“We confirm receipt of the preventive suspension order early this morning. The commission held a special commission meeting today [Thursday] and they agreed to nominate Commissioner Non as OIC,” ERC spokesman Rexie Digal said.
“The nomination will be forwarded to the Office of the Executive Secretary for consideration and appropriate action,” she said.
Non confirmed the nomination, but is still waiting for Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea’s response.
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi yesterday said the preventive suspension of Salazar will pave the way for a fair investigation into the issues in the ERC.
“I expect fair treatment of all officers and workers in government. The suspension is a means to give way to a fair investigation of the issues being thrown at Chairman Salazar, “ Cusi said.
He said the 90-day suspension of Salazar ordered by Malacañang is another example that there are no “sacred cows” in the Duterte administration.
Salazar, meanwhile, said while he viewed Malacañang’s order with concern, he is grateful for the opportunity to take a breather from work.
“I shall use the time to be with my family and to attend to my personal concerns,” Salazar said.
He was among the officials earlier asked to resign by President Rodrigo Duterte, and will be investigated amid allegations of graft and price fixing following the death of ERC Bids and Awards Committee chairman Francisco Villa on Nov. 9.
Villa’s sister, broadcaster Rosario Sofia “Charie” Villa, said her brother was allegedly pressured by Salazar to approve procurement contracts and hiring consultants and other bidding procedures. Francisco Villa later killed himself.
“Examination of the records showed that there is a prima facie case against Chairman Salazar on the above stated charges,” read the order issued by Medialdea on May 2.
“Moreover, this Office has personal knowledge of Chairman Salazar’s act of unilaterally designating an OIC to perform the functions of his post during his absence despite the earlier designation made by this office,” the executive secretary added.
Cusi sad the suspension should pave the way for an impartial and objective investigation of corruption allegations raised against the ERC chairman.
“The President is allergic to corruption so it’s not enough not to be tainted —one must also be perceived to be clean,” said Cusi.
He said he expects the energy family to get past the issue stronger and more resolute in keeping its mandate to provide affordable and sustainable power to the general public.
“Corruption adds to the cost of everything. That being said, it is but proper that all allegations of wrongdoings are properly investigated,” said Cusi.
The energy chief said any and all investigations are also avenues for the accused to clear their names.
He said the rule of law must always prevail, and gave special mention to the clause of equal protection of the law under the Constitution when it comes to facing criminal, civil or administrative charges.
Medialdea said the charges against Chairman Salazar “are punishable with removal from service.”
The administrative charges to be filed against Salazar include serious dishonesty, gross neglect of duty and grave misconduct on violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti Graft And Corrupt Practices Act.
This stems from the ERC’s renewal of seven Electric Power Purchase Agreements between FDC Utilities and various distribution utilities, and includes charges of grave misconduct and gross insubordination for defiance of the Executive Secretary’s designation of ERC Commissioner Geronimo Sta. Ana.