The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is concerned at the sudden resignation of Atty. Monalisa Dimalanta as chairperson of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and the concurrent end of term of two of its Commissioners.

This move effectively deprives the Commission of a quorum to perform its regulatory role. The leadership vacuum will also delay key decisions regarding power tariffs, consumer protection and energy policies that will unfairly weigh on industrial and domestic consumers.

We urge the administration to act with deliberate speed in appointing able and independent-thinking commissioners so as to ensure continuity in the ERC mandate.

The energy sector needs a strong and robust regulatory body to protect the interests of electricity consumers across the country.