Energy Regulatory Commission Chair Monalisa Dimalanta – INQUIRER PHOTO/LYN RILLON
MANILA, Philippines — Monalisa Dimalanta was reinstated as the chairperson of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Malacañang said on Thursday.
A memorandum from Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin dated October 31 said that Dimalanta’s preventive suspension was lifted.
“Pursuant to the 22 October 2024 Order of the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) in OMB-C-A-JUL-24-0066, entitled ‘National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms, Inc. (NASECORE). vs. Monalisa C. Dimalanta,’ lifting the 20 August 2024 Order of preventive suspension issued against respondent Monalisa C. Dimalanta, the latter is hereby reinstated as Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Regulatory Commission immediately upon receipt hereof,” the memorandum read.
On August 29, the Office of the Ombudsman ordered Dimalanta’s six-month preventive suspension in response to a complaint filed by the consumer interest group National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms, Inc.
The group alleged that Dimalanta was involved in the Manila Electric Company’s purchase of electricity on the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market and passed the cost to consumers without ERC’s approval.
She allegedly committed grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, and gross neglect of duty and conduct.