Dimalanta returns to ERC after Palace lifts suspension

MANILA, Philippines — Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta can now return to her job after Malacañang lifted the order that temporarily suspended her as ERC chief.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed in a text message that Dimalanta had been reinstated as president and chief executive officer of the ERC.

In a memorandum dated October 31, 2024, Bersamin cited the Ombudsman Office’s October 22 order to lift Dimalanta’s suspension.

ERC President Monalisa Dimalanta. PHOTO: MIKE ALQUINTO

The Ombudsman ordered the preventive suspension of Dimalanta for six months for alleged dereliction of duty in relation to a complaint filed by a consumer interest group.

The suspension order stemmed from Dimalanta’s alleged involvement in Manila Electric Company’s purchase of electricity in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market and passing on the cost to consumers without the approval of the ERC.

It was alleged that Dimalanta committed gross misconduct, gross abuse of authority and gross dereliction of duty.