NASECORE Forwards Concerns Regarding Recently Appointed Energy Officials

The National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms (NASECORE) has advised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to recall the appointments of certain energy officials. The consumer group noted that Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta may provide an inappropriate advantage to a particular firm.

Both Lotilla and Dimalanta previously held positions in the Aboitiz Power Corporation. The former served as an independent director while the latter was the company’s chief legal counsel and compliance officer. “This will give the Aboitizes the distinct advantage thru the two key appointees in seeing through and seizing numerous business opportunities in the power industry,” explained NASECORE in its letter to the President.

NASECORE elaborated that previous officials who held these positions had never been affiliated with power companies prior to their appointments. The group also cautioned that the current Energy Secretary and ERC chairperson could “defeat the very objective” of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA Law).

The EPIRA Law aims to encourage privatization and promote competition within the generation sector. “The above-cited appointments will allow the Aboitizes not only to dominate but to virtually control the power industry and this is now causing some jitters among the competitors in the generation sector,” added NASECORE.

Andria Frago, Media Officer Chief at the Department of Energy, defended Lotilla’s appointment in response. “The Secretary of Energy’s record in public service speaks for itself,” said Frago. Lotilla had already served as the Energy Secretary from 2005 to 2007 under the Arroyo Administration. Meanwhile, Dimalanta served as the chairperson of the National Renewable Energy Board (NREB) from 2019 to 2021 under the Duterte Administration.

The ERC chairperson, on the other hand, acknowledged the group’s concern. However, Dimalanta declared that she will strive to uphold transparency and fairness to all industry stakeholders. “I think their concern and comments are understandable. When I was with NREB for two years, I don’t think I’ve worked closely with NASECORE,” she expressed.

“Kanina po natanong ako [I was asked earlier] on what I’d like as my legacy in ERC and it’s really the transparency and accountability of the agency. I think at the very least, that’s what we can contribute so that we can grow this industry and support the economy that we all dream of having,” Dimalanta furthered.

Source: CNN PH