Multi-sectoral groups give ERC chair nod

Multi-sectoral groups back the appointment of Energy Regulatory Commission chairperson Atty. Monalisa Dimalanta, describing her as the "best fit" for the position.

Atty. Antonio Gabriel Maestrado La Viña, dean of Ateneo School of Government, said that Dimalanta, a former Professor at the Ateneo de Manila Law School who taught Energy Law and Global Legal Practice, would be able to perform well as she is an energy expert, pro-renewable energy and knowledgeable about the law.

"She cares about consumers. We have the best person for this position right now," he said.

Atty. Jose Layug, president of the Developers of Renewable Energy for Advancement, Inc., recognized Dimalanta for her integrity and impartiality.

"We praise President Bongbong Marcos for the appointment of Atty. Dimalanta as chair of ERC. We are confident that, under her watch, the public can expect that in all issues on production and cost of power consumption, the rule of law will utmostly be observed and the handling of issues will be fair," said Layug.

The ERC's duties include fostering competition, fostering market growth, ensuring customer choice, and punishing market power abuse in the electrical sector.

To carry out this undertaking, the ERC is mandated to promulgate necessary rules and regulations, including Competition Rules, and impose fines or penalties for any non-compliance with or breach of the EPIRA, the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the EPIRA, and other rules and regulations which it promulgates or administers as well as other laws it is tasked to implement.

Meanwhile, Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms Inc. president and former Department of Energy Undersecretary Pete Ilagan likewise expressed confidence in the appointment of Dimalanta.

"That would be her opportunity to serve the consumers as chief regulator of ERC. It is a powerful position, and she can impose accountability on all the power generation and distribution industry players," said Ilagan.

Ilagan is hopeful that the new ERC can balance the interests of utility and consumers.

Before being appointed ERC chair, Dimalanta was a former Chairperson of the Philippine National Renewable Energy Board and Senior Partner in PJS Law, a full-service law firm she joined in August 2001. Until she assumed office as NREB Chair, she led the firm's Energy Group.

Dimalanta is also the President & CEO of UNAWA Asia, an inclusive startup company formed due to collaboration between PJS Law and Talino Venture Labs SG.

UNAWA provides digital solutions to medium, small and micro enterprises for compliance with corporate and regulatory agencies, including data privacy requirements.