ERC Joins INFA-Net Joint Circular Signing to Boost Energy Investments, Regulatory Efficiency

In a move to reinforce the Philippines’ clean energy transition and attract more strategic investments, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has joined the ceremonial signing of the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) under the Investments Facilitation Network (INFA-Net), led by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Board of Investments (DTI-BOI).

Held on Monday, the signing event marked a renewed inter-agency commitment to streamline government processes, enhance coordination, and accelerate the approval of priority energy and infrastructure projects.

ERC Chairperson and CEO Monalisa C. Dimalanta represented the agency in signing the JMC titled “Strengthening the Coordination Mechanism between and among the INFA-Net Members and Integration of the Provisions of Executive Order No. 18, Series of 2023.” The circular outlines mechanisms to align processes across member agencies and support projects classified as Strategic Investments.

The initiative forms part of the government’s broader efforts to promote investor confidence through the “Green Lanes” established under Executive Order No. 18. The EO mandates faster processing for key investments in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing.

Earlier this year, the ERC was recognized with the Gawad Bayanihan sa Pamumuhunan award by the DTI-BOI for its proactive efforts in expediting regulatory approvals. The commission has been instrumental in accelerating the issuance of Certificates of Compliance (COCs) and Provisional Authorities to Operate (PAOs), which are crucial to the timely commissioning of energy projects.

According to DTI-BOI data, 91 percent of the PHP4.69 trillion worth of 187 newly endorsed projects under the Green Lanes initiative are in renewable energy, highlighting the country’s growing commitment to a low-carbon future.

The ERC’s participation in the INFA-Net JMC is seen as a pivotal step in ensuring smoother regulatory processes, supporting national energy goals, and fostering a more business-friendly environment for investors in the renewable energy sector.