Jesse Hermogenes Andres, undersecretary of the Department of Justice, has been named officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
ERC said in a statement Andres formally assumed office yesterday as OIC chair and chief executive officer, following the issuance of a memorandum from the Office of the Executive Secretary last September 20.
ERC said on his first day in office, Andres met with commissioners Alexis Lumbatan, Catherine Maceda, Floresinda Baldo-Digal and Marko Romeo Fuentes alongside executive director Nancy Aurora Fajardo and general counsel Heiddi Barrozo.
The regulatory body said the meeting focused on briefing the OIC on the core mandates of the agency, as well as the urgent matters requiring immediate action by the ERC leadership to ensure the continued action on critical decisions.
Andres also convened the Management Committee to emphasize the urgent need for expeditious action on all pending ERC matters.
“I will perform my functions as ERC OIC chairman with utmost fairness and independence. ERC will act expeditiously on all pending matters with a view to foster competition and ultimately drive down the price of electricity and protect consumers,” Andres said.
Prior to his appointment as OIC of the regulatory body, Andres has been a practicing lawyer for 34 years. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines School of Economics.
Andres is also a Career Executive Service Officer eligible since 2009 and completed his directorship training with the Institute of Corporate Directors.
