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ERC capex aprovals in 2024 top P101B

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approved capital expenditure (capex) proposals amounting to P101.81 billion in 2024.

The applications had been filed by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) and various distribution utilities (DUs) and electric cooperatives, ERC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Monalisa C. Dimalanta told reporters at a recent briefing.

“All in all, these projects amounted to P101 billion in investments required from NGCP and the DUs” benefiting more than 185,000 customers, she said.

The commission issued decisions involving 37 capex projects. Thirteen applications were from the NGCP and 20 were from DUs.

It also promulgated 12 NGCP capex projects and three DU projects.

In 2024, the ERC approved of 11 power supply agreements, allowing the distribution of electricity generated by plants with capacity of up to 3,052.9 MW.

It also approved 31 ancillary services procurement agreements worth 41.63 MW and 15 point-to-point applications, paving the way for the delivery of 2,362.43 MW of capacity.

The ERC also approved 386 certificates of compliance (CoCs) and provisional authorities to operation for independent power producers, 3,806 CoCs for qualified end-users, 894 CoCs for self-generating facilities, and 53 CoCs for distributed energy resources.

A CoC is a license issued by the ERC that grants permission to operate, allowing the entry of a total of 27,424.327 MW new capacities from issued certificates.

“This year, we are targeting to issue the final decisions for all 36 ancillary services agreements. There are also 15 point-to-point (applications). These are the lines from the plant connecting to the grid,” Ms. Dimalanta said.

For 2025, the ERC’s first-half priorities include the completion of the rate reset processes covering the fourth and fifth regulatory periods for the NGCP and power distributor Manila Electric Co., respectively.

The rate reset process is usually a forward-looking exercise that requires the regulated entity to submit forecast expenditures and proposed projects over a five-year regulatory period. The ERC assesses the actual performance of the entity and adjusts rates as needed.

The commission is also hoping to act on the pending petitions of the state-run National Power Corp. (NPC) regarding its rate application for Universal Charge for Missionary Electrification (UCME), a monthly charge collected from on-grid electricity end-users used to subsidize cost of power in off-grid areas.

“Hoping by this first month of the year, we will resolve all the pending UCME petitions of NPC to align with the current UCME petitions,” the ERC chief said.

The commission is also hoping to finish the roadmap on Full Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) and the campaign on Omnibus Customer Choice Programs within the first half of the year. RCOA allows qualified electricity consumers to choose their own power supplier.

For the second half, the key priorities include the resolution for NGCP’s rate reset covering the fifth regulatory period, completion of the reset of other private DUs, and revision of the secondary price cap at the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

SC upholds contested EPIRA provisions

ANDREY METELEV-UNSPLASH

THE Supreme Court (SC) affirmed the constitutionality of several provisions of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), ruling that electricity generation and supply are not public utility operations but remain subject to regulation by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

In a resolution promulgated on July 31, 2024, but publicized on Jan. 7, the Court, sitting en banc, dismissed a petition filed by Anakpawis Rep. Fernando L. Hicap, and others, against the ERC, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and the Executive Secretary, that had sought to declare several sections of the law unconstitutional.

The Court upheld Sections 6 and 29 of EPIRA, clarifying that electricity generation and supply are not considered public utility operations and remain subject to regulation by the ERC.

In the same Resolution, the Court also affirmed Sections 34 and 43(b)(ii) of the law, which grant the ERC the authority to determine and approve the universal charge imposed on electricity end-users.

Additionally, it upheld Section 43(f), empowering the ERC to establish charges that enable distribution utilities to recover their losses.

The Court found no grave abuse of discretion on the part of the ERC in its implementation of the law.

It said that for a business to be classified as a public utility, it must offer a service essential to the public.

Since power generation and supply companies serve only a limited customer base and do not interact directly with the public, they are not considered public utilities.

Nevertheless, companies remain subject to government regulation due to the safeguards outlined in the EPIRA, which are designed to prevent abuse or irregularities.

These safeguards include the requirement for companies to obtain a certificate of compliance from the ERC, along with other regulatory measures.

The court added the universal charge is not a tax, as it is not designed to generate revenue. Instead, it aims to support the sustainability of the electric power industry under the State’s police power to promote public welfare.

EPIRA grants the ERC the authority to determine and approve this charge.

In addition, the court affirmed the ERC’s authority to implement a system allowing distribution utilities to recover losses, thereby ensuring the efficiency and quality of their services.

The delegation of this power from Congress to the ERC is protected by clear standards and limitations outlined in the EPIRA, it ruled.

The petitioners had argued that the ERC committed grave abuse of discretion in issuing guidelines for the Automatic Adjustment of Generation Rate and System Loss Rates by Distribution Utilities (AGRA Rules).

They also questioned the ERC’s approval of a staggered implementation of power rate increases requested by Meralco in December 2013.

They also claimed that the universal charge is a form of tax, which must be set by Congress. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

NZ poultry imports banned after bird flu outbreak

REUTERS

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it banned imports of poultry and wild birds from New Zealand (NZ) after an outbreak of Type H7N6 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu.

In Memorandum Order No. 1, the DA said shipments of domestic and wild birds, poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen from the country were suspended.

“There is a need to prevent the entry of the HPAI virus to protect the health of Philippine poultry,” it added.

New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries submitted a report to the World Organization for Animal Health, regarding an outbreak of HPAI in Canterbury in November affecting domestic birds.

An official report from the New Zealand government was submitted on Dec. 1 following confirmation by the New Zealand National Animal Health Laboratory.

The DA suspended the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import certificates for poultry products from New Zealand.

According to the Bureau of Animal Industry, avian flu has been detected in 53 Philippine municipalities across five provinces as of Jan 3. — Adrian H. Halili

BCDA awards management deal for John Hay golf course

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE interim management contract for the golf facilities at Camp John Hay (CJH) in Baguio City has been awarded to Golfplus Management, Inc., the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the BCDA said Golfplus operates the driving ranges of the Nuvali and Alviera estates and of sports management and marketing agency DuckWorld PH.

“We know the CJH golf course is a crowd favorite in the golf community. New and former players will continue to enjoy premium services at the estate facilities during the interim period,” BCDA Vice-President Mark P. Torres said.

The golf estate facilities, which were formerly handled by CJH Development Corp. subsidiary CJH Golf Club, Inc., have been recovered by the BCDA after a notice to vacate was served to CJH DevCo on Monday.

“We will be introducing improvements and evaluating systems and protocols to provide appropriate recommendations when the estate is ready to be turned over to a long-term private partner,” Golfplus President and Interim Management Head Eduardo P. Arguelles said.

“We want to assure clients and stakeholders that we will be updating everyone regularly to guide them during the transition,” he added.

The golf estate facilities will be closed on Jan. 7 and 8 to facilitate an inventory of the property and other transitional activities.

“The new management will make sure services continue and workers and caddies are cared for,” John Hay Management Corp. President and Chief Executive Officer Marlo Quadra said.

“We look forward to upholding the prestige of the golf estate and quality of service for players and guests,” he added.

LODGING
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, the BCDA said the Manor and Forest Lodge at CJH will also have a new interim manager, Landco Pacific Corp.

“This is to assist the BCDA in transitioning the properties to a new private partner once they are ready to be awarded for long-term lease and management arrangements,” Landco said.

A subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), Landco will be the interim operator of the facilities for one year, extendable to two.

“We are happy to assist the BCDA in this transition. CJH must realize its potential as a special economic zone. This is a significant first step,” MPIC Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said.

“We have assembled a highly capable team to make sure that these legacy properties are protected and enhanced as cornerstones of Baguio history and tourism. Staff and guests need not worry,” he added.

The interim task force for the management transition of the hotels will be led by Patrick C. Gregorio, the head of Landco Lifestyle Ventures. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

SEAG gold medalist Mervin Guarte stabbed to death in Calapan City

MERVIN GUARTE — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

SOUTHEAST ASIAN GAMES (SEAG) gold medalist Mervin Guarte suffered a tragic end after a stabbing incident that led to his demise on Monday in his hometown Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.

“We are still in shock, very sad,” said Philippine Obstacle Sports Federation President Alberto Agra after learning of Mr. Guarte’s passing.

According to police reports, the unidentified assailant stabbed Mr. Guarte in the chest while the latter was sleeping in the living room of Brgy. Councilor Dante Albo Abel at 4:30 a.m.

Mr. Guarte, an Air Force man, managed to call for help and was rushed to a nearby hospital before expiring.

It was a gruesome death to an athlete who had brought honor to the country following a pair of SEA Games gold in obstacle racing and the same number of silver in athletics.

He was 33.

The incident drew an outpouring of condolences from friends and fellow national team mainstays including Olympic boxing medalists Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Felix Marcial.

“RIP boss meg,” said Ms. Petecio.

Rest in peace, meg,” said Mr. Marcial.

“Mourning for our one of the medalist athletes from Patafa to Obstacle for his untimely demise,” Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino, for his part, said.

“The Philippine sports community mourns the untimely death of Mervin Guarte, a long-time member of the national team and a multi-medalist from the Southeast Asian Games,” said Philippine Sports Commission Chair Richard Bachmann in a statement.

“Rest in peace! Thank you for your service to the country, Mervin (Guarte),” he added.

For Olympian pole-vaulter EJ Obiena, he will miss someone he considers like an older brother.

“I just learned the devastating news of the shocking death of my friend and National Teammate Kuya Mervin Guarte,” said Mr. Obiena. “May his soul rest in peace, and I am sending my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.  What a tragedy.  Only 33 years old.”

“This is another poignant reminder to us all, that we must embrace every day as a gift as tomorrow is never guaranteed. Blessed to have shared the track with you. Rest well my friend,” he added. — Joey Villar

Eala suffers early exit at Aussie Open qualifiers

ALEX EALA — FACEBOOK.COM/ALEXEALA

ALEX EALA bowed to Croatia’s Jana Fett, 7-5, 6-2, to absorb an early exit in Round 1 of the 2025 Australian Open on Tuesday at the Melbourne Park.

Ms. Eala waxed hot early in the opening frame but lost steam down the stretch before being completely outclassed in the second set en route to a quick elimination in her highly-anticipated first major tourney this year.

Hopes were high for the 19-year-old Filipina pride to make her mark in the Land Down Under after impressive campaigns in the three other Grand Slams last year but to no avail in the match that lasted one hour and 59 minutes.

Ranged against the No. 27 seed Ms. Fett, the unranked but undaunted Ms. Eala managed to scoop a 2-0 lead in the extended first set but surrendered the next five games to stare at a sudden 2-5 deficit.

Ms. Eala, WTA No. 147 on the heels of a semifinal finish in the Workday Canberra International last weekend, would fight back by holding serve and breaking Ms. Fett’s twice to tie things up at 5-all before succumbing.

The WTA No. 134 Ms. Fett then stamped her class from there on, blitzing to a 4-0 lead in the second en route to the second round against Austria’s Sinja Kraus (WTA No. 211), which made short work of WTA No. Victoria Hrunkacova (WTA No. 168), in their own first-round duel, 6-1, 6-2.

Ms. Fett, a seasoned player with 14 pro titles, banked on her lethal offensive game by converting 61% of her serves while forcing Ms. Eala to five errors.

It’s a mastery of 28-year-old Ms. Fett on Ms. Eala once again after a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 in the 2021 W25 Manacor in Spain, where the Filipina ace graduated as a scholar at the Rafael Nadal Academy.

Ms. Eala was a former junior champion in the 2020 Australian Open before climbing to the women’s division in a bid to become the first Filipina player ever to make it to a Grand Slam main draw.

Her early elimination in the Australian Open was a stark contrast to her qualifying final stints in the other majors of the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open last season. — John Bryan Ulanday

Naturalized Korovin leads Philippines in Asian Winter Games

NEWLY naturalized world figure skating champion Aleksandr Korovin will spearhead the Philippines when it plunges into action in the 9th Asian Winter Games set from Feb. 7 to 14 in Harbin, China.

It officially materialized after the 30-year-old Russian-born Mr. Korovin took his oath of allegiance before Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino in a simple ceremony on Monday at the Senate.

Mr. Tolentino, who heads kickboxing, sponsored Mr. Korovin’s naturalization bill that was eventually enacted and signed into law by President Marcos in December last year.

Mr. Korovin is expected to partner with Filipina Isabella Gamez, whom the former has been paired with for about four years now.

Although he’s Russian, Mr. Korovin and Ms. Gamez carried the Philippine flag in their international stints that resulted in the country’s first international medal — a silver in 2022 in Nice, France.

The pair will be a part of the lean but mean 20-strong delegation vying for glory in Harbin.

And if the stars align, the duo hopes to make it to the Winter Olympics next year in Italy where they also hope to snare the country’s first medal, if not the gold itself. — Joey Villar

In matchup of undermanned teams, Grizzlies handle Mavs

WITH both teams missing key players, Jaren Jackson, Jr. and Jaylen Wells had double-doubles and the Memphis Grizzlies snapped a two-game skid with a 119-104 victory on Monday night over the visiting Dallas Mavericks.

Memphis played without injured starters Desmond Bane and Ja Morant, along with key reserves Santi Aldama and Marcus Smart. Stars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving did not play for the Mavericks, who have lost five in a row.

Jackson finished with 35 points and 13 rebounds, while Wells added 17 points and 11 boards. Jackson was 13 of 23 shooting and had five assists, three steals and a block. Scotty Pippen, Jr. contributed 18 points, five rebounds, five steals and four assists, and John Konchar grabbed 13 rebounds.

Dallas was led by P.J. Washington, who had 17 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Naji Marshall scored 16, Klay Thompson had 15 and Dereck Lively II added 14 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks. Jaden Hardy scored 15 points, all in the second half.

Memphis broke open a close game in the second half and led by double digits for most of the fourth quarter.

The Grizzlies, returning home following a five-game road trip, fell behind by 12 early in the second quarter. Shooting 38.1% in the first quarter had Memphis playing catch-up from the outset.

But Jackson Jr. directed a second-quarter rally along with reserve Jay Huff, to help the Grizzlies go up by 56-55 at the half. Jackson Jr. had eight points in the quarter and 16 in the half. Huff scored five of his eight first-half points during a 12-0 Memphis run that gave the Grizzlies their first lead at 50-48. Huff’s corner three with 29.2 seconds to go provided the halftime cushion.

Marshall led Dallas in the first half with 13 points and Lively contributed 10 points and seven rebounds.

Memphis had a slim halftime lead despite shooting 39.1% in the half. A 32-26 rebounding edge, including 20-12 in the second quarter, allowed the Grizzlies to stay in the game.

The Grizzlies extended their lead to 12 in the third quarter behind Jackson Jr., who had 13 points in the period. The Grizzlies led 87-80 after three quarters.

Dallas reserve Daniel Gafford sprained his left ankle early in the second quarter and did not return. — Field Level Media via Reuters

Real Madrid thrashes Deportiva Minera 5-0 to reach Copa del Rey last 16

REAL MADRID booked their place in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey with an emphatic 5-0 win over fourth-tier Club Deportiva Minera on Monday, with striker Arda Guler scoring a superb double.

Madrid took an early lead when Federico Valverde volleyed home in impressive style within five minutes. Eduardo Camavinga doubled the lead just eight minutes later with a bullet header, while Guler added a third goal before the half-hour mark.

The hosts came closest to scoring when striker Omar Perdomo unleashed a long-range effort that flew just wide of Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin’s far right post.

Luka Modric’s brilliant finish into the far corner 10 minutes after the break, following a clever combination with Brahim Diaz, brought the crowd in the Cartagonova stadium to their feet in a festive atmosphere even though the home side were trailing.

Despite conceding five goals, Minera goalkeeper Fran Martinez saved several good shots including efforts from Valverde and Kylian Mbappe.

Cartagena’s Deportiva Minera are currently top of Group 13 of the Segunda Federacion. Madrid leads LaLiga on 43 points, two clear of Atletico Madrid. — Reuters

Clash of the titans

Don’t be fooled by pre-game odds overwhelmingly being in favor of the Cavaliers. When they meet the Thunder on Thursday, just about the only advantage they will have is their near-flawless record at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Since their 2024-25 campaign began in late October, they have a single loss to show in the 19 matches they’ve hosted; the Hawks blitzed them on the front end of a home-and-home set courtesy of a playmaking masterclass by three-time All-Star Trae Young right before Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, the Thunder boast of a sterling 13-3 slate on the road, and will not be lacking in confidence while aiming for a 15th consecutive victory.

Given how both the Cavaliers and the Thunder have separated themselves from the rest of the National Basketball Association a little over halfway through the season, it’s fair to view Thursday’s set-to as an advanced look at the 2025 Finals. That said, there are still a lot of hoops to be played, and in history can be found examples of shocking swoons following remarkable rises. Moreover, the incidence of Number One seeds in each conference doing battle for the Larry O’Brien Trophy is not as high as conventional wisdom may assume.

To be sure, the benefits of regular season brilliance cannot be discounted. Sustained success does lead to heightened self-assurance, critical as a means of separation from equally strong contenders. There is likewise muscle memory to consider; winning begets winning, as the Cavaliers and the Thunder have clearly demonstrated. The phrase “trust in the process” has had a negative connotation in light of its misuse by the Sixers during the Sam Hinkie dispensation, but its importance is precisely what the East and West pacesetters have underscored.

So, yes, Thursday’s clash of the titans makes for must-see fare. And while it won’t be all that significant in the grand scheme of things, it does effectively provide the Cavaliers and the Thunder with an assessment of the state of their readiness to attain their ultimate objective. In short, it’s not just any contest; outside of bragging rights, they will gain intelligence that figures to shape their future.

 

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.

Yellen raised serious concern about China’s ‘malicious’ cyber activity, Treasury says

JANET YELLEN

WASHINGTON — U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen met virtually on Monday with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and raised concerns about “malicious cyber activity” carried out by Chinese state-sponsored actors, the Treasury Department said in a statement.

Treasury last month reported that an unspecified number of its computers had been compromised by Chinese hackers in what it called a “major incident” following a breach at contractor BeyondTrust, which provides cybersecurity services.

Congressional aides said no date had been set yet for a requested briefing on the breach, the latest in a serious of cyber attacks against government agencies that the U.S. government has blamed on Chinese state-sponsored actors.

Those attacks have occurred even as the Biden administration has worked to improve communications with China and better manage the competitive relationship, including through establishment of economic and financial working groups.

“Secretary Yellen … expressed serious concern about malicious cyber activity by PRC state-sponsored actors and its impact on the bilateral relationship,” Treasury said, describing the call as candid, in-depth and constructive.

The two officials also discussed economic developments in both countries, and reviewed progress made during meetings of the working groups, Treasury said.

Ms. Yellen reiterated concerns she has raised repeatedly about China’s non-market practices and policies and industrial overcapacity, noting they would continue to adversely affect the U.S.-China bilateral economic relationship unless addressed.

Ms. Yellen delivered a similar message when she met He in Beijing in April, warning him to rein in excess industrial capacity before President Joe Biden announced steep tariff increases on Chinese-made electric vehicles, batteries, solar products and semiconductors.

She also underscored the “significant consequences” that Chinese companies would face if they provided material support for Russia’s war against Ukraine, Treasury added.

President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, has threatened to impose steep tariffs on Chinese imports in excess of 60%, much higher than those imposed during his first term in office. — Reuters

Indonesia to join BRICS bloc as full member, Brazil says

INDONESIAN national flags fly at a business district in Jakarta, Indonesia, Feb. 5, 2021. — REUTERS

SAO PAULO — Indonesia will formally join BRICS as a full member, Brazil’s government said on Monday, further expanding the group of major emerging economies that also includes Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Indonesia’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Tuesday that it welcomed the announcement and that “BRICS membership is a strategic way to increase collaboration and partnership with other developing nations.”

Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous nation, had previously expressed its desire to join the group as a means of strengthening emerging countries and furthering the interests of the so-called Global South.

Brazil, which holds the bloc’s presidency in 2025, said in a statement that member states approved Indonesia’s entry by consensus as part of an expansion push initially endorsed at the 2023 BRICS summit in Johannesburg.

The South American nation noted that Jakarta’s bid got the green light from the bloc in 2023 but the Southeast Asian country asked to join following the presidential election held last year. President Prabowo Subianto took office in October.

“Indonesia shares with the other members of the group support for the reform of global governance institutions, and contributes positively to the deepening of cooperation in the Global South,” the Brazilian government said.

The BRICS group also includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. — Reuters

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