Deputy Speaker Legarda Commends ERC

     Deputy Speaker and Antique Congresswoman Loren Legarda commended the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for braving and rising above the challenges posed by the electric power industry during the latter’s 18th Founding Anniversary last 15 August 2019 at the AFP Commissioned Officers Club House, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

     Congresswoman Legarda lauded the ERC’s recent decisions and directives, particularly the refund of nearly PhP2 Billion to consumers as a gallant feat.  She   emphasized, however, that certain circumstances such as the changing demographics, increasing population levels, the ever-rising urbanization, climate change realities and scarcity in resources, and the technology revolution are changing the landscape of the power sector.  According to her, these factors, especially technological innovations, are disrupting the rules, regulations and processes currently in place, thus, it is imperative that the regulators must adapt to these changes to remain relevant.  

     The said realities need to be seriously integrated in the country’s energy planning. She stressed that the recent enactment of the Philippine Innovation Act (R.A. No. 11293), government agencies, such as ERC, are mandated to adopt a broader view in developing transformation goals and strategies covering all potential types and sources of innovation, which includes innovation in government processes and outcomes for the public.

     “Never think that you are persecuted whenever you are contradicted.  On the other hand, be thankful that you remain to be relevant”, Deputy Speaker Legarda told ERC.

     Congresswoman Legarda encouraged ERC to be the courageous regulator that asks the right questions and be discerning of information that is unseen in the documents being submitted by stakeholders.  

     “While your (ERC’s) good work may not find its way into the front pages of dailies, take comfort in the fact that you are able to deliver outcomes that impact on the lives of people.  Be the innovative, courageous, fair, and independent regulator that serves as the first line of defense, not just for our consumers, but for everyone,” said Deputy Speaker Legarda.