2 ERC execs retire

TWO commissioners of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) have retired after a seven-year stint at the regulatory agency.

The ERC said the retirement of commissioners Alfredo Non and Gloria Victoria Yap-Taruc took effect on Tuesday.

“I am saddened by the retirement of two of my colleagues and mentors in the Commission. I have gained invaluable wisdom and insights from Commissioners Freddie and Amvic when I was just starting at ERC. My transition period could not have been manageable without their help,” ERC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Agnes Devanadera said.

Prior to their retirement, Non and Yap-Taruc filed terminal and wellness leave, said Rolly Faller, who acts as the counsel and spokesperson of the suspended four ERC commissioners.

“It’s a combination of terminal and wellness leave. It’s their personal decisions to take a leave so as not to be accused of clinging to their posts in the face the latest Ombudsman decision,” Faller earlier told The Manila Times, referring to the three-month suspension without pay slapped by the Office of the Ombudsman against Non, Yap-Taruc, Josefina Patricia Magpale-Asirit, and Geronimo Sta. Ana who were found guilty of simple neglect of duty.

The Ombudsman’s ruling in June stemmed from a complaint filed by the National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms Inc. in February, alleging that Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) was using its bill deposits as working capital without the consumers getting equitable share in return.