The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), as the umbrella organization of Filipino Chinese trade and regional associations nationwide, manifests its concern on the preventive suspension of incumbent Energy Regulatory Commission’s Chairperson Monalisa C. Dimalanta. Vacating the position of the ERC Chairperson for half a year conveys a period of institutional uncertainty and economic weakness in the foreseeable future. We also support her reforms and positive efforts to improve the Philippine energy situation.
We respect the authority of the Ombudsman and believe an impartial and objective investigation and resolution on the matter. We are concerned, however, that the leadership vacuum would result in possible delays in ERC decisions on pending applications and cases as new rules are adopted, which will affect energy supply and power rates in the country. The Philippines’ power market rates have consistently been the highest among Southeast Asian countries for years and have been a constant challenge in our goal of attracting potential investors and locators.
We, therefore, call for the speedy resolution of the preventive suspension of ERC Chairperson Dimalanta, to ensure continuity in the agency’s mission of formulating and enforcing energy regulations aimed at providing reliable, stable and affordable power not only for the business sector but for regular energy consumers. The speedy resolution of the issues faced by the chief energy regulator is the remedy that businesses, communities, and households will need to return the ERC’s path towards improved operations.
Our organization shall remain to be the State’s partner throughout a challenging ordeal and may these series of events ultimately lead to better outcomes for energy regulation, stabilization, and efficiency for all Filipinos.
