Ombudsman orders ERC chair's 6-month suspension

The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the preventive suspension of Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta amid its ongoing investigation of the administrative charges filed against her by consumer group National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms Inc. (NASECORE).

- ELIZABETH MARCELO

In a six-page order approved by Ombudsman Samuel Martires on Aug. 27, the ombudsman placed Dimalanta under preventive suspension “without pay” until the administrative investigation is terminated.

The ombudsman, however, said the suspension shall not exceed six months, unless there is a delay in the disposition of the case caused by Dimalanta herself.

The ombudsman said there is a need to place Dimalanta under preventive suspension as the initial evidence on record showed that her guilt is strong. Thus, the ombudsman said, she must be prevented from possibly committing further acts of malfeasance that might prejudice the ongoing investigation.