ERC welcomes new Chairman

A simple yet cordial turnover ceremony was held on Monday, January 26, 2004 at the ERC Hearing Room of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). Commissioner Leticia V. Ibay, Officer-In-Charge (OIC), formally yielded the leadership to the newly appointed Chairman, Rodolfo B. Albano. The dependable Commissioner said, “Be rest assured that I will always be ready to provide my services whenever it is needed” and added “the Commission pledges its full support to the new Chairman.”

Fresh from his oath-taking before her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (PGMA) on January 21, 2004, Rodolfo B. Albano immediately started holding office the next day, January 22, 2004. “There are pressing concerns that the Commission has to address,” the former Isabela representative stated.

He emphasized that the Commission has issued a total of 139 decisions reducing electric rates in 2003 and yet via a single decision, the ERC was being portrayed as anti-consumer. “I was a judge before and from reading the decisions, I know that the ERC is working for the public good,” he said.

Chairman Albano is a seasoned public servant, having served as Vice-Governor for four years, as a Circuit Criminal Court Judge for three years and, as a member of the legislature for 27 years.

Chairman Albano’s appointment completes once again the five-man Commission composed of a chairperson and four Commissioners. The incumbent Commissioners are Atty. Leticia V. Ibay, Engr. Jesus N. Alcordo, Carlos R. Alindada, and Oliver B. Butalid.

Also in attendance was Chairman Albano’s predecessor, Manuel R. Sanchez who resigned in December to run for a seat in Congress.

January 26, 2004