(The Philippine Star) | Updated December 6, 2016 - 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines -
Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairman Jose Vicente Salazar said yesterday
he was going on a one-month break, giving in to calls to take a leave until the
investigation on the alleged corruption in the agency is finished.
In a statement, Salazar
announced his one-month leave was effective immediately.
“I have taken this step
in order to focus on helping in the ongoing and planned inquiries regarding
issues related to the Energy Regulatory Commission, particularly those
allegedly raised by the late director, Francisco Jose ‘Jun’ Villa Jr., prior to
his recent death,” he said.
In the meantime,
Commissioner Geronimo Sta. Ana will be the officer-in-charge.
Last week, Energy
Secretary Alfonso Cusi said it would be best for Salazar to take a leave
pending the completion of an investigation.
The energy chief said
the National Bureau of Investigation has been tapped to conduct a probe on the
death of ERC director Villa last month.
By taking a break,
Salazar hopes that the investigation will be concluded sooner.
“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,” he said.
Villa committed suicide
last Nov. 9 reportedly due to pressure from superiors to enter into irregular
transactions.
No comments:
Post a Comment