Photo credit: Commission on Appointments

The Commission on Appointments’ (CA) Committee on Energy endorsed to the plenary the confirmation of Atty. Sharon Garin as Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE) on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

Garin was designated Officer-in-Charge of the DOE in May, before being officially appointed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as Energy Secretary in July. Her recent confirmation by the CA formally moves her from ad interim status to a permanent appointment, granting her full legal authority to continue leading the DOE.

During the confirmation hearing, Garin provided updates on the country’s electrification status, energy rates, and DOE initiatives to strengthen the power sector. 

Garin said that DOE’s current priorities, as outlined throughout the hearing, include renewable energy development, household electrification, and measures to lower electricity rates through reforms in ancillary services and clean energy investments.

Lawmakers also discussed emerging energy priorities such as nuclear power development, carbon credit frameworks, and rate-setting reforms under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) as it approaches its 25th year. Garin underscored DOE’s commitment to legislative updates, interagency coordination, and exploring measures to advance affordability, grid resiliency, and energy security.

Committee chair Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada presided over the session and carried the motion to endorse Garin’s confirmation before the CA plenary.

Aside from Garin, the plenary also confirmed Henry Aguda as Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) during its Wednesday session. The plenary likewise confirmed the ad interim appointments and nominations of 39 generals, flag officers, and senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

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