ABOITIZPOWER is urging the government to settle the issues hounding the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) as it may have an impact on the operations of various stakeholders in the energy sector.
"A fair and functioning ERC is critical for the energy sector to work. A working regulatory body balances the welfare of the paying consumers, interests of the private investors, and the government's desire for reliable and ample power," said Antonio Moraza, President and COO of the Aboitiz Power Corporation, in an emailed statement.
In October last year, President Rodrigo Duterte fired former ERC chairman Jose Salazar, who was found guilty of simple and grave misconduct in connection with the corruption allegations against him.
Duterte has appointed former Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera as ERC chair in November.
Then on December 22, 2017, the Office of the Ombudsman suspended ERC commissioners Gloria Victoria Yap-Taruc, Alfredo Non, Josefina Patricia Magpale-Asirit and Geronimo Sta. Ana, together with Salazar, after they were found guilty for the violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019).
The Ombudsman said in a statement that the five were also found guilty of "Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service, aggravated by Simple Misconduct and Simple Neglect of Duty." The commissioners were suspended without pay for one year.
"We are appealing to the national leadership to resolve the ERC issue as soon as possible so the commission can get back to work and act on many pending issues awaiting their decision," Moraza said. (PR)