The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is upbeat about its near-term prospects as it anticipates a significant boost in operational capacity following a strong response to its latest recruitment drive.
In a statement, the ERC reported receiving 298 applications for 64 newly created contractual positions, a development chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta described as an encouraging sign of public confidence and professional interest in the energy sector.
“These new roles are critical to enabling the commission to fulfill its mandate, especially in light of the growing demands in the country’s energy sector,” Dimalanta said. “We are encouraged by the level of interest and turnout as this reflects the enthusiasm of Filipino professionals to be part of nation-building through the energy industry.”
The positions are part of 105 new posts approved in March 2025 by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to help the ERC address manpower shortages and streamline its functions. Among the applications received as of 2 May, 60 percent were for the regulatory operations service, 28 percent for the Market Operations Service, and 12 fffpefrcent for the Legal Service.
The ERC, which serves as a quasi-judicial body overseeing power-related cases and rate-setting, said it continues to face a significant case backlog. As of the end of 2024, 3,017 cases remained unresolved out of 9,893 filed, representing a 30.5% pending rate. Officials hope the incoming personnel can help improve that figure.
In addition to the contractual hires, five new permanent (plantilla) positions were added to the Financial and Administrative Service and the Planning and Public Information Service, further strengthening the commission’s institutional capacity.
The ERC’s leadership sees this expanded workforce as a key step toward accelerating regulatory action and supporting the evolving needs of the Philippine energy sector.
