I’m the only BOSS here

A well-known politician has made it clear to everyone that he is the sole boss on his turf — anyone who dares to question him will feel the sting of his whip.

This is the harsh reality for those within his circle: comply with his whims and caprices or be cast out of the kulambo, denied the perks that come with blind obedience.

However, not everyone is happy about this longstanding rule, because nothing lasts forever, especially when fairness is absent.

Even his closest allies seem to be reaching their limit, growing weary of a leadership style that treats them as mere second-class citizens, requiring his approval for every decision.

This will be the ultimate test of his bully brand of leadership. He is now under immense pressure to ensure that those he anointed perform well in the upcoming election — otherwise, he may finally get a taste of his own medicine. Bully for him!!!

Bare-faced liar

A retired official of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has resorted to lying through his teeth to free himself of responsibility in the brewing battle over electricity rates.

During a congressional hearing, the official denied having oversight powers over the delayed rate reset that prevented the lowering of electricity rates.

The current power rates charged by the distribution utilities (DU) were not properly evaluated and reviewed by the ERC, as no timely adjustments were made for each regulatory period. Thus, the overcharging of power rates by the DUs to the prejudice of consumers.

Were it not for the initiative of Meralco to refund its customers in 2021, customers would not have had an opportunity to enjoy any form of refund or reduction in their electricity bills due to the regulatory failure.

His excuse was that the action required should have been a collegial decision of the regulator.

Now he is attacking the agency that he had headed, saying that more refunds should have been given by the regulated entities, although it was his inaction during his seven years as head of the regulator that resulted in the problem.

A Freedom of Information request to the ERC bared that the official was designated, through Office Order 29, Series of 2015, as Officer-in-Charge of the Commission from 30 June 2015.

“As OIC, he was assigned to handle the oversight functions on matters regarding the Manila Electric Company and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.”

Furthermore, the official was given “oversight functions over the various regulated entities and other matters in relation to the Commission’s regulatory functions” pursuant to Office Order 35.