ERC chief reinstated after suspension lifted

The Office of the Ombudsman has lifted the six-month preventive suspension order it issued against Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta in connection with the administrative charges filed against her by consumer group National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms Inc. (NASECORE).

- By ELIZABETH MARCELO

In an order dated Oct. 22, the ombudsman lifted its order dated Aug. 20, placing Dimalanta under preventive suspension for not more than six months in connection with its ongoing investigation on the administrative charges against her for grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

Following the lifting of the suspension order, the Office of the President, through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, issued a memorandum dated Oct. 30, ordering the reinstatement of Dimalanta to her post.