Energy Regulatory Commission chief goes on one-month leave
By Juzel L. Danganan
MANILA, Dec. 5 (PNA) -- Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairman Jose Vicente Salazar has gone on a one-month leave starting Monday, citing the move is due to the issues regarding the death of director, Francisco Jose Villa Jr.
â€I believe that by focusing on this concern, the inquiries can be brought to a speedier and fitting conclusion. This is in the best interest of the ERC. The faster the facts can be brought out in the open, the sooner we can put the matter to rest,†Salazar said in a statement Monday.
Salazar also said ERC commissioner Geronimo Sta. Ana will temporarily replace him as officer-in-charge of the Office of the Chairman.
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi earlier urged Salazar to take a leave for the investigation on the alleged corruption inside the commission. He noted that it would give way for an independent probe.
Salazar earlier said the commission tapped a third-party investigator to start the investigation.
Villa committed suicide on Nov. 9, allegedly due to pressure for his refusal to sign anomalous deals in the ERC. Villa was the bidding committee chairman of procurement of goods and services. (PNA)
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