ERC officials being investigated for alleged extravagant trips, Palace says

September 1, 2017

Malacanang has been investigating the alleged extravagant trips abroad of the officials of the Energy Regulatory Commission, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said on Friday.

"The matter pertaining to extravagant trips allegedly made by ERC officials, being presidential appointees, is still under investigation by the Office of the Executive Secretary," he said in a statement.

The investigation has been launched after the Office of the Executive Secretary received a letter on June 30, 2017 of Rodolfo Javellana Jr., president of the United Filipino Consumers and Commuters, accusing  ERC officials with serious dishonesty, gross neglect of duty, grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and violation of Section 7 of Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The respondents were Commissioners Alfredo Non, Gloria Victoria Yap-Taruc, Josefina Patricia Magpale-Asirit, and Geronimo Sta. Ana, and Director Debora Anastacia Layugan.

"It is alleged that you are receiving money and benefits from private entities regulated by the ERC to fund your extravagant travels abroad," said Acting Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Ryan Alvin  Acosta in his letter to the ERC officials.

He ordered the ERC executives to submit their comments on the matter. Celerina Monte/DMS