Maria Lethel C Alburo-Mejia, assistant secretary of the Department of Energy of the Philippines
The Department of Energy (DOE) of the Philippines has appointed Manila-based firm PunoLaw’s senior partner Maria Lethel C Alburo-Mejia as assistant secretary, effective 1 October.
Ranulfo Payos, senior partner at PunoLaw told Asia Business Law Journal that although Alburo-Mejia would no longer be at PunoLaw during her tenure at the DOE, the firm fully supports her in this important national service.
Payos added that, as assistant secretary, Alburo-Mejia would serve as the principal aide to the Secretary of Energy, Sharon S Garin, ensuring the effective co-ordination, management and execution of the secretary’s priorities, directives and engagements.
“[Alburo-Mejia’s new] role oversees the day-to-day operations of the Office of the Secretary, provides strategic guidance on policy and administrative matters, and facilitates communication between the secretary and the department’s bureaus, services and attached agencies.
Alburo-Mejia specialises in energy, infrastructure, public-private-partnership (PPP) and mergers and acquisitions. Since joining PunoLaw in March 2005, she represented both private and government sponsors in relation to the development of power and infrastructure projects, including PPPs in the energy, water and transportation sectors.
Some of her key transactions include the development of energy projects such as the liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage and regasification facility in Batangas City, a 414 megawatt (MW), combined-cycle power project, a 97MW, aero-derivative open cycle power plant and a 9,664MW peak solar power plant
She has advised on Japanese trading company Marubeni Corporation’s acquisition of a 20% interest in Maynilad Water Services, one of the largest water concessionaires in the Philippines.
She also has extensive experience in development and construction-related contracts including engineering, procurement and construction contracts, “early contractor involvement” contracts, long-term service agreements and operations and maintenance contracts, representing both project owners and contractors.
“We take great pride in knowing that one of our own is now serving in such an important capacity at the DOE, and we look forward to continuing to share that legacy of excellence with our present and future clients in the Philippines and the wider Asia-Pacific region,” said Payos.
