Executive Director Castañeda is newest ERC Commissioner
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has a new Commissioner in the person of its erstwhile Executive Director Maria Teresa A. Ramirez-Castañeda who took her oath of office on 11 July 2006. She replaced Commissioner Oliver B. Butalid whose term expired last 10 July 2006. “The Commission is very happy for the promotion of its Executive Director Castañeda to Commissioner. She deserves where she is now because of the competence, diligence and integrity she has established and maintained over the years,” ERC Chairman Rodolfo B. Albano, Jr. expressed.
Commissioner Castañeda rose from the ranks as she entered the Energy Regulatory Board (ERB), ERC’s predecessor, as Attorney III shortly after passing the bar examination in 1992. In less than two years, she was promoted as Chief of the Hearing Division which eventually led to her appointment as Director of the Legal Service in the year 2000. Her hardwork paved the way to her appointment as Executive Director of the ERC in 2005. So far, she is the youngest Member of the Commission since its creation in year 2001.
Commissioner Castañeda obtained her Bachelor degrees in Philosophy and Laws from the University of Sto. Tomas in 1987 and 1991, respectively.
“Considering her extensive knowledge and experience in the electric power industry and with the ERC organization, Commissioner Castañeda’s appointment is definitely a popular choice and is most welcome to the industry,” Chairman Albano maintained.
“Contrary to news reports in some major dailies published last 28 July 2006, Commissioner Castañeda’s appointment as Commissioner was not put on hold, as in fact her appointment was duly endorsed by the industry participants. The vacancies in the ERC came about due to the expiration of terms of its former Commissioners Alcordo and Butalid, and not due to their resignation. ERC urges that proper vigilance be observed at all times in making reports by verifying the veracity and truthfulness of every fact in the spirit of fair and responsible journalism, “ Chairman Albano concluded.
August 4, 2006