The Department of Energy-Electric Power Industry Management Bureau (Power Bureau) clarified that the Coal Moratorium Policy issued in December 2020 is not a total ban.

The Policy  does not cover existing and operational coal-fired power generation facilities as well as any coal-fired power projects considered committed power projects; existing power plant complexes which already have firm expansion plans and existing land site provisions; and indicative power projects with substantial accomplishments, particularly with signed and notarized land acquisition or lease agreement for the projects , and with approved permits or resolution from local government units and the Regional Development Council where the power plants will be located. These parameters are explicitly provided under Item 2 of the abovementioned Coal Moratorium Policy.

Following a thorough review and verification by the Power Bureau, the DOE issues at the request of a project proponent a certification that a project is not covered by the moratorium. Several proponents of coal-fired power projects have requested the DOE’s confirmation on non-coverage and these were ministerially issued after verification.

The Power Bureau described the allegations of arbitrariness in the issuance of certifications as unfounded. The Bureau also quoted Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla as saying: “Diversification of energy sources is critical to energy security. Unfortunately, we get pilloried for favoring solar and wind over coal and get charged for favoring coal over renewable energy. This leaves us with a reassuring feeling that we are getting the damn thing right.” ###