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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider The Economy devider Energy projects unlikely to stall despite DOE leadership change—MVP

Energy projects unlikely to stall despite DOE leadership change—MVP

Published May 27, 2025 06:41 pm

Businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman and chief executive officer of the country’s largest power distributor, Manila Electric Company (Meralco), hopes President Marcos will appoint a capable successor to outgoing Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla.

On the sidelines of Meralco’s Annual Stockholders Meeting on Tuesday, May 27, Pangilinan said that Lotilla’s unexpected departure from the Department of Energy (DOE) would not lead to delays in ongoing energy projects and programs.

President Marcos recently reassigned Lotilla to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as part of a Cabinet reshuffle announced by Malacañang last week. This move saw Lotilla replace Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga as the new DENR chief.

When asked by reporters if the change in DOE leadership would stall the country’s energy initiatives, Pangilinan responded, “I don’t think so.”

“I think Secretary Lotilla has laid out his own plans, and there should be good ones. So, I doubt whether the successor will deviate much from what is laid out. He’s a very competent public servant, so I doubt the successor would make substantial changes,” Pangilinan noted.

While President Marcos has yet to name the next DOE Secretary, Energy Undersecretary Sharon S. Garin will take over as the officer-in-charge (OIC).

Ronnie L. Aperocho, Meralco executive vice-president and chief operating officer, expressed optimism that Garin would help advance the country’s nuclear energy ambitions.

“She’s on top of the nuclear agenda. Though we have not discussed it yet, we believe that [this] will be on top of their agenda,” Aperocho said, referring to the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilAtom) bill currently awaiting progress in the Senate.

The PhilAtom bill aims to establish a regulatory body for nuclear developments, ensuring safety and security standards, and providing licensing and oversight for nuclear facilities.

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Manuel V. Pangilinan Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) Department of Energy (DOE)
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