Malacañang names new ERC chair, two commissioners

Malacañang on Wednesday named Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan as the new chairperson of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), succeeding Chairperson Mona Lisa Dimalanta, who has stepped down after nearly three years in office.

Juan, currently the president of the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), will assume the post starting August 8, 2025.

The Palace praised Dimalanta for her contributions to the ERC and the energy sector.

“The Palace expressed its gratitude for Dimalanta’s service to the Commission and to the Filipino people,” the Office of the President said in a statement.

Juan brings decades of experience in energy regulation, having served as ERC’s executive director and general counsel, and was instrumental in establishing the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

“With his deep institutional knowledge and leadership, we are confident that Chairperson Juan will steer the ERC toward more efficient, transparent, and pro-consumer decision-making,” the Palace added.

Dimalanta, in an interview with TV Patrol, explained that her departure was a personal decision and not part of the Marcos administration’s reshuffle of Cabinet officials.

“Magtatatlong taon na rin naman ako dito sa ERC. Madami na rin naman tayong na-introduce na mga reporma. Parang bawat araw ko dito, I made sure it counted. So, madami na rin tayong na-accomplish. Siguro, time na para mailipat na yung baton para sa kung sino man yung paglilipatan ng appointing authority,” she said.

She emphasized that her resignation was “irrevocable,” not a courtesy resignation.

“Yun po naman talaga ang pinandigan natin, na ang termino ng chairman pati na rin lahat ng members ng komisyon sa ERC ay fixed term, so hindi ito sakop nung courtesy resignation,” she explained.

Under Section 38 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) or Republic Act No. 9136, ERC commissioners serve fixed seven-year terms, a safeguard designed to protect the Commission’s independence from political influence.

“Pero, may realidad din tayo na kung kailangan talaga magpalit, bibigyan natin ng hand yung appointing authority na magpalit. Kaya yung finile ko po ay irrevocable resignation, hindi courtesy resignation,” Dimalanta said.

“Legally, may pagkakaiba po yun. Hindi natin nilagay sa alanganin iyong appointing authority… Hindi rin tayo nag-set ng precedent dito sa ERC na saklaw tayo ng courtesy resignation,” she added.

Malacañang also appointed two new commissioners: Atty. Amante A. Liberato and Atty. Paris G. Real.

Liberato currently serves as Deputy Executive Secretary for Finance and Administration under the Office of the President.

He is a lawyer and certified public accountant with previous posts at the Commission on Audit and in advisory roles in both Congress and the executive branch.

His appointment is seen to enhance the ERC’s financial governance and regulatory reform initiatives.

Atty. Real brings more than 20 years of litigation experience, with over a decade involved in high-profile ERC proceedings.

Known for his advocacy on consumer protection and rule of law, Real is expected to strengthen the Commission’s quasi-judicial authority.

The new appointments come at a critical juncture as the ERC pushes for reforms in electricity pricing, renewable energy integration, and consumer protection in the evolving energy landscape.

The ERC is mandated to promote a transparent and competitive electricity market, ensure reasonable power rates, and uphold consumer rights.