đź“·Former ERC Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta
FOLLOWING an order slapping her with a six-month preventive suspension, Energy Regulatory Commision chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta resigned in what appears to be a manifestation of disappointment.
Under the Ombudsman’s order, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin was told to name Dimalanta’s temporary replacement since the suspension should take effect immediately.
Interestingly, the Palace has yet to name an officer-in-charge as of this writing.
“All operations of the agency shall continue to function to the extent possible, and as required by the exigencies of service,” the Omdudsman’s order states.
In a statement, Dimalanta claims she has yet to get a copy of the complaint filed against her.
“The [Ombudsman’s] order does contain some allegations of the complaint, without providing, however, any statement as to the evidence submitted by complainant that became the basis for the issuance of the preventive suspension order,” the statement further reads.
In its Aug. 20 decision, the Ombudsman said the case was prompted by the complaint of the National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms Inc. that the ERC failed “to recalculate the rate of Meralco that protects the interest of the public …” due to delays in the regulatory process.
In December 2021, the ERC released the rules for setting distribution and wheeling charges for privately owned electricity distribution utilities. Wheeling rates refer to the cost associated with the distance the electricity is transported and are usually levied when electricity is generated at a particular location but consumed at another.
The rules set a Fifth Regulatory Period (5RP) covering four years from July 2022 to June 2026, within which a regulated entity must present its expected spending and proposed projects, and the ERC would then evaluate and decide how much of it should be passed on to consumers.
In disbelief at her fate, Dimalanta said she’s not taking the suspension sitting down even as she hinted at exploring all legal options.
On the other hand, Power for People Coalition convener Gerry Arances described the Ombudsman’s decision to suspend Dimalanta as a “good” move “to see Meralco’s overcharging put under the spotlight.”
He however clarified that Dimalanta should not beear the consequences alone.
“The ERC’s dismal record of protecting consumers, as required by its legal mandate, should be borne by all its commissioners, past and present.” (ANGEL F. JOSE)
