Marcos appoints Francis Saturnino Juan, two others to ERC

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed energy expert Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan as Chairperson of the Energy Regulation Commission (ERC) effective 8 August 2025, following the resignation of Monalisa Dimalanta.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro made the announcement on Thursday.

According to Castro, Juan brings decades of experience in the ERC as he previously served as executive director and general counsel of the commission.

He is also the President of the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines.

Juan was also instrumental in operationalizing the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market which advocates for consumer protection and promoting renewable energy development through tariff reforms.

“With his deep institutionalized knowledge and leadership, we are confident that Chairperson Juan will stir the ERC toward more efficient, transparent and pro-consumer decision-making. We look forward to smooth and seamless transition under his chairmanship,” Castro said.

Two new ERC commissioners

Marcos have also filled up two vacant seats in the ERC left by former commissioners Catherine Maceda and Alexis Lumbatan who retired on 10 July. 

Atty. Amante Liberato and Atty. Paris Real will assume these vacant roles “effective upon their assumption of office”.

Liberato currently sits as as Deputy Executive Secretary for Finance and Administration at the Office of the President. 

Apart from being a lawyer, he is also a Certified Public Accountant with extensive experience in public finance, legal reform and governance. He previously served in the Commission on Audit and served as a consultant in the legislative and executive branches.

“His strong background in fiscal management and regulatory policy will be vital in supporting institutional reforms within the ERC,” Castro said.

Meanwhile, Real is a seasoned litigator and a legal adviser, who carries more than 20 years of experience. For more than a decade, Real has participated actively in high impact ERC regulatory proceedings.

“He is known for his focused on legal integrity, consumer protection that is expected to strengthen the Commission’s quasi-judicial processes,” Castro said.

“Together, these appointments reflect the President’s commitment to energizing the ERC with leaders who uphold integrity, transparency and public service,” she added.

Moreover, Malacañang Palace thanked Dimalanta for her service to the ERC as she returns to the private sector.

“We extend our deepest gratitude for her dedicated service to the Commission and to the Filipino people. We wish her continued success as she returns to private practice,” Castro said.