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Dimalanta reinstated after suspension lifted
By J.Lo
“Commission also extends its gratitude to officer-in-charge Jesse Hermogenes Andres, whose brief stint helped steer agency through critical period,” Office of the Ombudsman has lifted six-month preventive suspension order it issued against Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta in connection with administrative charges filed against her by consumer group National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms Inc. (NASECORE).
In order dated Oct. 22, ombudsman lifted its order dated Aug. 20, placing Dimalanta under preventive suspension for not more than six months in connection with its ongoing investigation on administrative charges against her for grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Following lifting of suspension order, Office of the President, through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, issued memorandum dated Oct. 30, ordering reinstatement of Dimalanta to her post.
Ombudsman had placed Dimalanta under preventive suspension as it earlier found strong initial evidence against her to “prevent her in committing further acts of malfeasance might prejudice ongoing investigation.”
Dimalanta already back at ERC yesterday to receive copy of order when it was served.
In statement, ERC welcomed decision of ombudsman, saying this would ensure “stability within agency and energy industry as whole.”
Andres returned gratitude to ERC for granting him opportunity to serve Filipino people through the commission.
“I thank the President for the opportunity to serve Filipino people through Energy Regulatory Commission. I thank ERC Commissioners, officials and staff for their support,” Andres said.
“We have approved and released more than 846 permits, certificates and various approvals in record time in the last six weeks…these approvals include fifth RP regulatory period for Meralco ,Manila Electric Co. that will provide at least P16-B refund to consumers,” he added.
He also highlighted achievements made under his leadership in ERC.
“We have likewise approved the Green Energy Auction-3 methodology for bidding of much-needed renewable energy projects…we have likewise strengthened our partnership with industry groups and associations through stakeholders engagement and dialogues,” he said.
With Dimalanta’s reinstatement, NASECORE president Pete Ilagan said in a Viber message hopeful that integrity of ERC records “can be preserved and protected, pending resolution of NASECORE’s complaint.”
Administrative investigation stemmed from complaint filed by NASECORE in November 2023 over Dimalanta’s alleged act of permitting Meralco to regularly purchase electricity from Wholesale Electricity Spot Market or WESM at higher prices.
NASECORE said Meralco, in turn, passed on charges to consumers without required prior approval of ERC, in violation of Electric Power Industry Reform Act.
In its complaint, NASECORE said Meralco’s application for performance-based adjustment of its power distribution rate remained pending with ERC, thus passing charges to consumers is unlawful.
Meanwhile, distribution utilities (DUs) in storm-hit areas cannot disconnect power for consumers that use up to 200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) despite non-payment of electricity bills from October to December.
Pursuant to directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., ERC ordered DUs to “suspend” electricity line disconnections for consumers in areas placed under state of calamity due to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
“DUs in the affected areas are directed to provide flexible payment options to help ease financial burden on consumers as they work toward recovery from effects of STS Kristine,” the energy regulator said.
As such, DUs are expected to allow staggered collection of payments for period of at least six months from issuance of statement of account for each bill.
For those with a monthly consumption exceeding 200 kWh, ERC said DU may offer alternative payment terms mutually agreed upon by both parties.
“Consumers are encouraged to contact their respective DUs to inquire about available alternative payment options or to request special terms to settle outstanding bills,” the commission said.
Likewise, ERC also directed power generators and transmission operators to implement same payment scheme for affected DUs.
Meralco would comply with ERC’s directive to provide relief to typhoon victims.
“Meralco immediately suspended disconnection activities in areas under state of calamity and will offer flexible payment arrangements to customers whose consumption does not exceed 200 kWh,” Meralco spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga said.
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