FORGING AN ALLIANCE FOR CONSUMER PROTECTION: Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi (right) and Philippine Competition Commission Chairman Arsenio M. Balisacan (left) sign a Memorandum of Agreement that would help ensure fair market competition in the energy industry and protect consumer interests today (11 June) at the Department's headquarters in Taguig City.
TAGUIG CITY - Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi today signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) Chairman Arsenio M. Balisacan to promote market competition and consumer welfare in the energy sector.
Sec. Cusi said, “The centerpiece of the Duterte administration is the Filipino people. The government intends to elevate the quality of public service and protect the interests of our consumers. This agreement is a step towards the right direction as it would help ensure a fair playing field in the energy industry.”
The Energy Chief added that the DOE, as the lead executive agency, would like to help fulfill the President’s goal of bringing about a holistic development throughout the archipelago. “We are seeking to build our capacity in order to meet our ever growing demand for power. A strong partnership with agencies like the PCC would go a long way in achieving the President’s noble intention for the Filipino consumers,” he said.
PCC Chairman Balisacan expressed that the PCC shares the view of the DOE on the importance of a transparent power sector, with industry players governed by the principles of a level playing field.
The MOA provides for closer coordination between the DOE and the PCC through information sharing, as well as investigation and enforcement support, the creation of joint task forces, capacity-building activities, and consultative meetings.
Also present in the signing of the MOA were DOE Senior Undersecretary Jesus P. Posadas, Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella, Assistant Secretary Caron Aicetel E. Lascano, Commissioner Johannes Benjamin R. Bernabe, Commissioner Amabelle C. Asuncion, Commissioner Macario R. de Claro Jr., Executive Director Kenneth V. Tanate, Director Orlando P. Polinar, Atty. Melbourne Ziro D. Pana, Atty. Gianfrancis Camacho, Atty. Christina Faye Condez-de Sagon, and Atty. Rigel Villanueva.
###