Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Top officials of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) showed up at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Thursday to shed light on corruption issues in the regulatory body.
This, after the death of ERC Bids and Awards Committee Director Jun Villa in August.
Villa wrote suicide notes detailing corrupt practices and fears amid pressures in performing his duties.
Read: Duterte orders ERC commissioners to resign following officer’s death, alleged corruption
Investigators asked the commissioners about circumstances that could have led to Villa’s death
They maintained their innocence, claiming they had nothing to do with Villa’s claims.
Read: NBI probes ERC for corruption allegations
They explained the ERC’s regulatory and administrative functions – commissioners only deal with regulatory issues, they act on cases, applications, and complaints of energy providers and consumers.
Except for the chairman, the commissioners have no power over the agency’s finances.
ERC Chairman Jose Salazar refused to give details when asked to clarify his role in the alleged bidding anomalies.
Read: Ordered to resign, ERC chief seeks meeting with Duterte
The commissioners did not want to comment on the president’s call for them to resign.
In the meantime, they say ERC operations have to continue.
Geronimo Sta. Ana is the officer-in-charge of the ERC while Salazar is on leave pending the investigation.
