The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) welcomed the approval of its proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget by the House of Representatives during plenary deliberations, emphasizing that the allocation will strengthen consumer protection and enhance oversight of the electricity industry.
Sponsored by South Cotabato Second District Representative Ferdinand Hernandez, the budget gained the full support of the House in a session attended by ERC Chairperson and CEO Atty. Francis Saturnino Juan, together with Commissioners Floresinda Baldo-Digal, Marko Romeo Fuentes, and Amante Liberato.
“The FY 2026 allocation will enable the ERC to advance its priority programs, which include fair and evidence-based rate setting.”
Hernandez underscored that the FY 2026 allocation will enable the ERC to advance its priority programs, which include fair and evidence-based rate setting to ensure just and reasonable electricity prices, the timely resolution of pending cases to improve regulatory efficiency, robust oversight to foster competition among industry players, a stable regulatory environment to encourage investments, and proactive, consumer-focused leadership.
“The budget allocation will allow the ERC to hire additional technical experts and invest in the capacity building of its personnel.”
“The budget allocation will allow the ERC to hire additional technical experts and invest in the capacity building of its personnel—key steps to strengthening its regulatory work and enhancing the reliability and quality of electricity services nationwide,” the legislator explained.
The Commission acknowledged the valuable support of APEC Party-List Representative Sergio Dagooc and Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc. (PHILRECA) Party-List Representative Presley de Jesus in endorsing an increase to the ERC’s budget, which will enable the agency to meet the operational requirements of its expanding mandate.
The ERC likewise expressed appreciation for the collective support extended to the energy family, whose coordinated efforts are critical in advancing national goals of energy security, resiliency, sustainability, and nationwide electrification.
“With the support of Congress and close coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the rest of the energy family, the ERC is well-prepared to advance meaningful reforms that promote efficiency, fairness, and the protection of electricity consumers,” ERC Chairperson and CEO Atty. Juan concluded.
