The energy sector has expressed optimism following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s swift move to resolve the leadership gap at the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), a critical regulatory body overseeing electricity pricing and industry practices.
Malacañang announced Thursday the appointment of seasoned energy regulator and lawyer Francis Saturnino Juan as ERC chairman, effective 8 August this year. Juan, a former ERC executive director and ex-president of the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines, brings extensive industry experience that many believe will accelerate regulatory efficiency and policy stability.
Joining Juan are newly appointed commissioners Amante Liberato and Paris Real, replacing Alexis Lumbatan and Catherine Maceda, whose terms ended on 10 July. They complete the five-member ERC leadership team alongside current commissioners Floresinda Baldo-Digal and Marko Romeo Lizada Fuentes.
Stakeholders across the energy spectrum have praised the appointments as a sign of the administration’s growing recognition of the ERC’s pivotal role.
Gerry Arances, convenor of the Power for People Coalition (P4P), welcomed the move, saying it shows President Marcos is “finally acknowledging” the systemic issues in energy pricing, and urged the new commissioners to prioritize consumer protection and accountability among power players.
The Philippine Independent Power Producers Association (PIPPA) expressed confidence that Juan will guide the ERC toward modernization and regulatory balance that supports energy security and efficiency.
PHILRECA highlighted Juan’s “invaluable institutional knowledge” and called on the ERC to fast-track decisions affecting electric cooperatives and affordability, especially under the evolving Retail Competition and Open Access framework.
Industry leaders including ACEN’s Eric Francia, Meralco Power Gen’s Emmanuel Rubio, and Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance’s Theresa Capellan emphasized that Juan’s leadership comes at a critical time amid the ongoing energy transition. They noted his proven ability to uphold transparency, consumer rights, and balanced policymaking.
With a fully staffed commission in place, many in the energy sector are hopeful that the ERC can now move decisively on long-pending cases and implement reforms that enhance regulatory clarity, lower electricity costs, and support the country’s energy transformation.
