Manila, July 17 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed veteran energy lawyer Francis Saturnino Juan as the new chairperson of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), effective Aug. 8, following the resignation of Monalisa Dimalanta.

The announcement was made by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro in a Malacanang briefing on Thursday.

"Appointed as chairperson of the ERC is Attorney Francis Saturnino C. Juan, a seasoned energy expert," Castro said. "He brings with him decades of experience in regulatory affairs."

Juan currently serves as president of the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines, and previously held key positions at the ERC, including as executive director and general counsel.

He was instrum...