BIZ BUZZ: Dimalanta out. Now what?

While some cases progress at a slow pace, the issue targeting Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chair Monalisa Dimalanta was seemingly handled at lightning speed, inevitably raising eyebrows.

Isidro Consunji, chair of DMCI Holdings that stretches to the energy sector, said the case filed by a consumer group at the Office of the Ombudsman advanced quickly.

“Very flimsy. So many people get away with so many things … worse things,” Consunji said in a chat with reporters when asked for his reaction.

“Nagulat talaga ako dun tsaka ang bilis (I was caught by surprise. And it happened so quickly,” the tycoon added.

READ: Dimalanta leaves ERC, says she will explore legal options

Amid the ERC’s alleged failure to recalculate Manila Electric Co.’s rates, the Ombudsman slapped Dimalanta with a six-month preventive suspension.

During the quick interview with Dimalanta earlier this week, the embattled government official appeared undaunted.

Dimalanta said she would exhaust legal options “so that the truth will come out and rule of law will prevail.”

“This case is one of first impression—it may look like a simple case of delayed action but there is more to it than that,” she told Biz Buzz.

Dimalanta even reminded consumers and stakeholders in the sector to “remain vigilant and put a close watch on the decisions, actions of the commission.”

Now, the question arises While the cat’s away, will the mice play? —Lisbet K. Esmael

Looking for a job? Tesla’s hiring

If you’re looking for a job in the automotive sector, some good news: Tesla Motors of Elon Musk is hiring.

Tesla has job openings for Tesla advisor, customer support specialist, delivery advisor, vehicle technician, parts advisor, delivery operations specialist and service manager, as a prelude to boosting its presence in the Philippines.

Tesla is coming to the Philippines directly, which means it will not rely on an exclusive distributor, as it apparently sees bright prospects for growth in the increasingly competitive local electric vehicle sector that is currently dominated by Chinese brands.

The entry of Tesla, which is one of the early movers in the electric vehicle industry, should give the e-vehicle sector a needed jolt. —Tina Arceo-Dumlao

Demolishing an ‘eyesore’

Isn’t it ironic that a hotel that once hosted the candidates of the Miss Universe beauty pageant in 1974 is now being described as an “eyesore?”

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) wants to demolish the abandoned Philippine Village Hotel as soon as possible—and it is for the common good, according to Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista. “It’s an eyesore,” Bautista said.

READ: Naia changes coming; Sept. 14 takeover set

The transportation chief said the property in Pasay City would be venue of the new passenger terminal building of the congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia). It is designed to cater to 35 million passengers annually.

He said they were working with the Pasay government to speed up the demolition process. And following this, of course, is the construction of the much needed Naia terminal. —Tyrone Jasper C. Piad INQ