(Eagle News) — The Palace is studying how to keep the Energy Regulatory Commission running following the suspension by the Ombudsman of its commissioners.
“Pinag-aaralan na rin po iyong aspeto ng administratibo kung ano ang pupuwedeng gawin ng Palasyo mismo para hindi po matigil ang operasyon ng ERC,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a radio interview on Friday.
He said that “paralysis” was in the offing in the commission following the suspension for a year of Gloria Victoria Yap-Taruc, Josefina Patricia Magpale-Asirit, Alfredo Non, and Geronimo Sta. Ana.
The Ombudsman also ordered the filing of graft charges against them after they allegedly extended the deadline for the application of power supply agreements in 2016, thereby allowing Manila Electric Co. to corner lucrative deals.
He said this was because the commission was a “collegial body,” which means that for it to create policies, it needs to vote as a body.
“Ibig sabihin po niyan ay hindi po puwedeng isang tao lang ang nagdedesisyon,” he said.
He clarified, however, that he respects the decision of the Ombudsman.