PBBM NAMES NEW ERC OIC

PRESIDENT  Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. appointed on Friday Department of Justice (DOJ) Executive Director of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, Jesse Hermogenes Andres as officer-in-charge and chief executive officer of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

“In order to ensure the continues and effective delivery of public service, please be informed that Mr. Jesse Hermogenes T. Andres is hereby designated as officer-in-charge and chief executive officer, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC),” stated the memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

The memorandum, dated September 20, was addressed to DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Andres. It takes effect immediately “until a replacement is designated or until otherwise directed” by the Office of the Executive Secretary.

Andres previously served as chief of staff of former vice president Noli De Castro.

His appointment came after the Office of the Ombudsman ordered the six-month preventive suspension of ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta for alleged neglect of duty over a complaint filed by the National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms Inc. (Nasecore).

Nasecore’s complaint stemmed from the ERC’s supposed failure to “recalculate” the rate of Meralco that protects the interest of the public.