BIZ BUZZ: Lawyer headed for ERC? 

The ink has barely dried on the irrevocable resignation letter of Monalisa Dimalanta of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and yet, possible replacements are already being lined up.

Word is that a lawyer of a consumer group is at the top of the list of names being considered to take over the top post at the agency responsible for keeping the energy sector players in line.

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Not everybody will be happy with this front-runner’s appointment, however, as the individual is said to usually side with big business when it comes to gut energy issues such as rate-setting.

This is not exactly comforting since the ERC is expected to strike a balance between the need to ensure the viability of private firms in the capital-intensive energy sector and consumer welfare.

Sources say, however, that the order of priority may still change.

Let’s just hope that whoever will replace Dimalanta will have the right qualifications, and not just the right connections. —Tina Arceo-Dumlao

DTI turns to AI

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is using artificial intelligence to tackle consumer and business concerns.

The DTI announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Japanese firm Rinna Co. Ltd. to unveil Project Trina (Trade and Industry Assistant), the agency’s first AI-powered assistant aimed at improving government services.

The agency said this one-stop, seamless support tool would reduce the need for in-person visits or manual searching.

Featuring a 24/7 conversational AI avatar, Trina will handle queries related to trade, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) development, consumer rights and investment policies.

It can simulate human interaction in English and Filipino through voice-enabled and emotionally intelligent responses, helping users with limited digital literacy.

“With Project Trina, we are introducing a new technology that allows people to access DTI services anytime, in a way that feels as natural as talking to a real person, breaking down barriers for users who may not be tech-savvy,” Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said.

Here’s hoping that specialized AI assistants will deliver on their promise to facilitate virtual license applications, new business registrations or consumer complaints, as the DTI envisions. —Jordeene B. Lagare

PCC gets UN seat

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has secured a seat at the United Nations (UN) to help shape discussions on global competition and consumer-related matters.

The PCC announced the election of its chair, Michael Aguinaldo, as one of the vice presidents at the 9th United Nations Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection held recently in Geneva, Switzerland.

As part of his responsibility, Aguinaldo moderated two sessions that tackled proposals for implementing cross-border consumer dispute resolution, as well as investigative techniques and digital tools in modern enforcement.

The PCC is counting on its active role in the UN global conference to raise the bar in protecting consumer welfare and promoting fair competition in the country. —Jordeene B. Lagare INQ

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