3 Nobyembre,2024 Linggo
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Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez
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PM for any hospital discharge problem
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Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas
ERC chief still under probe
By Nidz Godino
“Respondent Dimalanta has already filed her counter-affidavit and documents needed in investigation are already in possession of investigators… simply left to be done is the submission of position papers and clarificatory hearing,” Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta is not off the hook yet of administrative charges filed against her by consumer group National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms, Inc. (NASECORE).
In press statement, Office of the Ombudsman said Dimalanta is still under investigation for administrative charges even though it already lifted her preventive suspension.
Ombudsman said preventive suspension of Dimalanta was lifted prior to expiration of six-month period because its investigators were already in the possession of pieces of evidence relevant to the case.
“When reason for preventive suspension has already ceased, justice and fair play demands that preventive suspension should not be for full six-month period allowed by law but should immediately be lifted,” ombudsman said.
Dimalanta is facing investigation for administrative charges of grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Filed by NASECORE in November 2023, charges stemmed from Dimalanta’s alleged act of permitting Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to regularly purchase electricity from Wholesale Electricity Spot Market 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.
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.
Ombudsman placed Dimalanta under preventive suspension because initial evidence on record “shows guilt of respondent Dimalanta is strong” and that “her continued stay in office may prejudice case filed against her.”
Dimalanta filed motion for reconsideration but it was denied by ombudsman, insisting that there was “sufficient basis” for her suspension.
Following lifting of suspension, Office of the President, through executive secretary Lucas Bersamin, issued memorandum dated Oct. 30, ordering the reinstatement of Dimalanta to her post.
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