Regulatory Counsel

Meralco PowerGen (MGEN); Pasig; On-site; PHP 4,200,000 - 5,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Meralco PowerGen (MGEN) seeks a Regulatory Counsel to provide expert legal analysis and strategic advice on regulatory matters affecting power generation projects and operations. You will lead regulatory research, prepare opinions, and represent MGEN in ERC proceedings.

You will ensure compliance with energy laws, advise on regulatory risks, and mentor junior staff within the Legal, Regulatory, Corporate Governance & Compliance team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a reputable university.
• Member in good standing of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of extensive legal practice in energy/regulatory affairs or public utility law.
• Proven track record in leading/regulatory proceedings before ERC or similar bodies.
• Deep expertise in the Philippine energy sector regulatory framework (EPIRA, WESM, Grid/Distribution Codes, RCOA).
• Experience drafting complex pleadings, position papers, and presenting in regulatory forums.
• Prior in-house or energy sector advisory experience is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality legal opinions to Regulatory Management Head, Chief Legal Counsel, and other departments.
• Lead legal strategy and representation in regulatory proceedings, hearings, and public consultations.
• Draft and review pleadings, motions, position papers, and comments.
• Prepare witnesses and evidence for regulatory hearings and advocacy efforts.
• Identify regulatory risks and advise on mitigation and compliance strategies.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Operations, Project Development, Finance, and external consultants.

Skills

Legal analysis

Regulatory research

Regulatory proceedings

Regulatory advocacy

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring junior staff

Education

LLB degree

Integrated Bar of the Philippines in good standing

Job description

The Regulatory Counsel is a highly specialized legal role within MGEN's Legal, Regulatory, Corporate Governance & Compliance Department, reporting directly to the Chief Legal Counsel. This position is responsible for providing expert legal analysis and strategic advice on complex regulatory matters affecting MGEN's power generation projects and operations. The incumbent will lead legal research, prepare legal opinions, represent MGEN in regulatory proceedings, and ensure the company's full compliance with energy laws and regulations, playing a critical role in shaping MGEN's regulatory positions and managing regulatory risks.

Key Responsibilities:

Expert Regulatory Legal Advice

• Provide comprehensive, high-quality, and timely legal advice and opinions to the Regulatory Management Head, Chief Legal Counsel, and other MGEN departments on a wide range of complex regulatory issues.
• Interpret intricate energy laws, rules, circulars, and policies issued by regulatory bodies such as the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Department of Energy (DOE), Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC), National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), and other relevant agencies.

Regulatory Proceedings & Advocacy

• Lead the legal strategy, preparation, and presentation for MGEN's participation in regulatory proceedings, hearings, and public consultations before the ERC and other relevant tribunals.
• Draft and review highly technical and legally complex pleadings, motions, position papers, comments, and other submissions.
• Prepare witnesses and evidence for regulatory hearings.
• Actively advocate for MGEN's interests in shaping regulatory policy and decisions.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Conduct in-depth legal reviews to ensure MGEN's ongoing and new projects/operations are in full compliance with all applicable energy laws, permits, and regulatory orders.
• Identify, assess, and provide legal advice on regulatory risks and potential non-compliance issues, proposing effective mitigation strategies.
• Assist in the development and implementation of internal compliance policies related to regulatory obligations.

Legal Research & Analysis

• Conduct extensive and rigorous legal research on energy law, regulatory precedents, and comparative jurisdictions to support strategic decisions and regulatory positions.
• Analyze complex data, industry reports, and expert testimonies in the context of regulatory cases.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Collaborate effectively with internal teams such as Commercial, Operations, Project Development, Finance, and external technical consultants to gather necessary information and provide integrated legal solutions for regulatory matters.
• Work closely with the Legal Counsel handling commercial transactions to ensure regulatory alignment in contracts.
• Share regulatory legal knowledge and expertise within the Legal and Regulatory Management team.
• Potentially mentor junior legal staff or paralegals on regulatory matters.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a reputable university. Member in good standing of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of extensive legal practice, with a significant and demonstrable focus on energy law, regulatory affairs, or public utility law.
• Proven track record of actively leading and participating in regulatory proceedings before the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) or similar quasi-judicial/administrative bodies in the Philippines.
• Deep and practical expertise in the Philippine energy sector's regulatory framework, including EPIRA, WESM rules, Grid Code, Distribution Code, Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA), power generation permitting, and relevant environmental laws.
• Experience in drafting complex legal pleadings, position papers, and presenting arguments in regulatory forums.
• Prior experience as an in-house counsel in a power generation company or a regulatory body, or extensive law firm experience advising energy sector clients, is highly desirable.