According to Senator Ralph Recto, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) does not need to be abolished, only have the people changed. Philstar.com/File
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Ralph Recto says that the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) should not be abolished and instead have its officials replaced.
Recto released a statement saying abolishing the ERC might “electrocute” the Filipino consumer since it needs an agency to watch the electricity market.
“Improve it, reform it, but do not dismantle it. Change the software, upgrade the hardware. Then reboot,” Recto said.
Recto released his statement after President Rodrigo Duterte warned that he will ask Congress to shut down the commission if officials does not resign as ordered. Duterte made the thread after ERC bids and awards chairman Francisco Jose Villa Jr. committed suicide, reportedly over pressure to rig bids..
According to Recto, the president should appoint known consumer advocates to the body to reform the ERC.
Recto added that the ERC proved how vital it is through three main missions of the commission in promoting competitive markets, enforcing rules and regulations in relation to operations, and regulation of fees and charges related to transmission and distribution of electricity.
In a separate statement, Senator Win Gatchalian added that the ERC is the body responsible for granting several types of critical permits necessary for power industry players to operate.
Gatchalian also said that it would be wise for the Senate Committee on Energy to investigate the allegations made by Villa.
“The allegations made by the late Director Villa indicate the possibility of widespread corruption within one of the most important government regulatory bodies,” Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian added that the investigation would be fair and that it will only be for seeking out the truth.
“A good man and respected public servant took his own life over this. We owe it to his memory to at least look into the allegations he made,” Gatchalian said.
The Department of Energy meanwhile, is already considering inquiries over the corruption allegations to ERC officials.
“We need a strong energy regulator and a united energy family. Our strength should be based on the truth. As the leader of the sector, I enjoin everyone to be fair,” Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.
