Office of the Ombudsman has suspended former Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jose Vicente Salazar and four ERC commissioners over the controversial power supply agreements (PSAs). Its ruling stemmed from the allegation of giving undue favor to Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and its sister companies by exempting the entities from the competitive selection process (CSP) in 2016. The ERC was earlier accused of moving the deadline to conduct the competitive procedure, which enabled Meralco to seal PSAs with seven generation firms. The September 29 decision, which was signed on December 11, leaves Agnes Devanadera as the sole official of the regulatory body. Salazar was also found guilty of approving contracts without bidding and extending power supply deals without the knowledge of other commission members.

Source: Manila Times December 21, 2017 14:26 UTC