Complaint vs. ERC chief in ‘advanced’ phase—Palace

Energy Regulatory Commission Chairperson Zenaida Cruz-Ducut. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The case filed by Akbayan partylist against Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairperson Zenaida Ducut over the power rate increase has moved to its “advanced stage,” Malacañang said on Saturday.

Presidential Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte added that Ducut was given a chance to reply to the complaint.

Ducut was accused of gross neglect of duties to the detriment of consumers when she allowed Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to raise the cost of electricity that was later stalled by the Supreme Court due to public outcry.

“The last time I checked, mas advance po ‘yung… complaint na finile ng Akbayan doon sa ERC chair (the complaint failed by Akbayan has advanced),” Valte said in an inteview over state-run dzRB.

Akbayan partylist has called on the Palace to remove Ducut from her position for allowing Meralco to raise the cost of power without due process.

Amid calls for Ducut to resign, the ERC eventually voided the rate increase and called for a recalculation due to failure of competition on the spot market.

Meralco and ERC were accused of allegedly colluding with power players to increase costs in the spot market.

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