Groups allied with powerful big businesses have been assailing the leadership in the energy sector by trying to cast doubts based on their previous positions rather than address public interest issues facing San Miguel Corp.
In legal parlance, the strategy is termed argumentum ad hominem which exactly refers to an attack on a person rather than confronting the substance of the criticisms raised.
Primarily lined up for potshots, the origin of which leads to the gates somewhere in Mandaluyong City, are Energy Secretary Popo Lotilla and Energy Regulatory Commission chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta.
Both are receiving heavy flak for their past jobs which were all about their qualifications and nothing about blind affiliation.
Even stakeholders in the industry have vouched for the qualifications of both officials.
Generating companies group Philippine Independent Producers Association said it is looking at "a balanced, responsive, and progressive Department of Energy and ERC under the watch of both officials.
"We echo the recognition from many in the industry, business groups, and academe that their experience and deep knowledge of the power industry can achieve our objective to build greater energy security, affordability, and sustainability for the Filipino people," PIPA said.
It added that Lotilla is no stranger to the industry and cited his involvement "in several of our generator members for the past twenty years both privately and in service to the government, being the head of the DoE from 2005-2007 and the president and CEO of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation from 2004 to 2005."
The group underlined Lotilla's presence and role "at the early stages of the energy industry restructuring that gives him historical knowledge and the foresight to steer the industry in the direction envisioned by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act."
Dimalanta, the group said, has a vast "wealth of experience and wisdom" in the complex world of the energy sector.
Cited was her being the head of the National Renewable Energy Board from 2019 to 2021 when renewable energy policies that recognize the balance of a technology-neutral mix needed to ensure that the country pushes forward to a truly developed nation were polished.
The Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines and the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation share the view of both officials.
In a joint statement, they indicated the presence of both officials will be pivotal for the energy sector during "a critical juncture where the electric power industry is in the midst of unprecedented challenges brought upon by the unceasing increase of fossil fuel prices compounded with high inflation rates that have tremendously burdened the lives of our fellow Filipinos."
Industry players said Lotilla has the capacity and integrity as the new energy chief while Dimalanta will be able to provide the leadership and regulatory direction which are vital in these challenging times."
What remains as a puzzle was the attempt to arm-twist the regulator for a rate increase amid the unrelenting fusillade.
Had the vicious effort succeeded, Filipino households face a bigger strain on their budget through higher power bills.
The professionalism of the energy leadership prevailed and the attempt to impose new sufferings on consumers was defeated.