Former Energy assistant secretary Atty. Leonido “Bodie” Pulido III has been elected president of the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation, the governing body of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

Pulido was named president at PEMC’s annual general membership meeting, where he was first elected as one of four independent directors. PEMC’s president is selected from among the members of the 15-man PEM Board.

“The role is daunting, but I am confident that with the support of the PEM Board, the PEMC Officers, and the wealth of experience and knowledge of the men and women that make up PEMC, I will be able to perform my duties as PEMC President,” Pulido said in a statement.

A graduate of the University of the Philippines, both in the law and special education fields, Pulido has been involved in the electric vehicles sub-sector before and after his DOE stint. At the department itself, meanwhile, he oversaw the implementation of the country’s biofuel policy.

Pulido had been earlier reported as the one likely to replace Atty. Oscar Ala as PEMC President following his retirement. He was said to have the backing of his former boss, Energy Sec. Alfonso Cusi.

Also newly-elected to the board are Aboitiz Power Corporation Chief Commercial & Stakeholder Engagement Officer Danel Aboitiz representing the generation sub-sector and Atty. Elvin Hayes Nidea also as an independent director.

Nidea, who was also named as PEMC’s Chief Governance Officer, carries over 20 years of experience of law practice, particularly corporate law and taxation.

The new board shall serve a three-year term.