The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is opposing plans to increase the number of its commissioners, citing concerns that the move could complicate the agency’s role in handling major energy-sector cases.

In an ambush interview with ERC Chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan, he shared that the commission disclosed a few comments and recommendations before the House of Representatives regarding Senate Bill (SB) No. 346, which aims to recalibrate its mandate, powers, and internal systems.

“I asked our general counsel to help me draft [and] consolidate the different provisions of the different restructuring bills, so we can come out with a substitute bill that will incorporate already all the provisions that we are fully in support of,” he told reporters.

While he mentioned that the SB offered to raise the number of commissioners from five to nine, he said that the ERC is not in favor of this structure.

Based on the draft position paper, the ERC emphasized that the resource problem is on the quality side, not quantity, as competent and experienced personnel remain an essential demand for the commission in order to process various case backlogs.

“The commission struggles to compete with the private sector for top-tier talent—the seasoned engineers, economists, and utility practitioners who can navigate the complex technical and financial nuances of the energy sector,” the ERC wrote.

The commission argued that adding more voices in decision-making could “institutionalize gridlock.”

“An increase in the number of voices may result in more protracted debates, deeper divisions, and greater challenges in achieving the majority consensus necessary for critical decisions. This reform addresses a non-existent problem while creating a new one,” it stressed.

Furthermore, the ERC has recommended various reforms, such as hiring and retaining top talent, optimizing the current organizational structure that would improve workflow and efficiency, requiring the commission to publish clear metrics like disclosing backlog reduction, and ensuring competent appointment of the chairperson and commissioners.

The current commissioners are Floresinda G. Baldo-Digal, Marko Romeo L. Fuentes, Amante A. Liberato, and Paris G. Real.

Real and Liberato were appointed by the Malacañang last Aug. 8, after former commissioners Alexis Lumbatan and Catherine Maceda retired from their positions last July 10.

Meanwhile, the current ERC chief was also appointed in August following the resignation of the former chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta.