Veteran regulator Francis Juan is new ERC chief

Metro Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed longtime energy sector expert Francis Saturnino Juan as the new chairman of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Malacañang announced Thursday, July 17.

Juan’s appointment takes effect on Aug. 8, to replace Monalisa Dimalanta, who is stepping down to return to the private sector after leading the regulator since 2022.

In a Palace briefing, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Juan will bring decades of experience in energy regulation, having previously served as executive director and general counsel of the ERC

“Chairperson Juan will steer the ERC toward more efficient, transparent, and pro-consumer decision-making,” Castro said.

She said Juan was instrumental in launching the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market and promoting renewable energy through tariff reforms.

New commissioners

Joining Juan are newly appointed ERC commissioners Amante Liberato and Paris Real, who assumed office immediately.

Liberato was deputy executive secretary for finance and administration at the Office of the President. He is a lawyer and certified public accountant, with prior experience at the Commission on Audit and consultancy roles in various government branches.

Real is a seasoned litigator and legal adviser with over two decades of experience. He has participated in major ERC regulatory cases for more than 10 years and is known for advocating consumer rights and strengthening the commission’s quasi-judicial role.