PCCI urges balanced energy policy as DOE moves to lift coal moratorium
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business organization, today expressed strong support for the Department of Energy (DOE)’s plan to lift the moratorium on new coal-fired power plants as a temporary and pragmatic measure. The Chamber emphasized that this step is necessary as the country rationalizes its approach to energy security and sustainability, while scaling up renewable energy capacity to enable a greater share in the power mix.
The statement follows recent remarks by Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, who confirmed the agency is reviewing the 2020 ban to address the energy supply gap exacerbated by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and surging global fuel prices.
“Our economy cannot run on uncertainty. While the transition to renewable energy remains our long-term goal, our immediate priority must be the stability and affordability of our power grid,” said Ferdinand “Perry” Ferrer, President of PCCI.
“We support Secretary Garin’s openness to new coal projects, provided they utilize modern, high-efficiency technologies that balance our power needs with our environmental commitments,” Ferrer added
PCCI highlighted three critical factors necessitating the policy shift:
• Baseload Reliability - As the manufacturing sector expands, the need for a steady, 24/7 "baseload" of power is critical to prevent the grid alerts that disrupt production.
• Cost Competitiveness - High electricity rates remain a primary hurdle for foreign investment. Strategic coal projects offer a path to lowering generation costs for MSMEs and large industries alike.
• Geopolitical Resilience - Diversifying the energy mix with efficient coal reduces the Philippines' vulnerability to the wild price swings of the global oil and gas markets.
PCCI also underscored the importance of transition fuels such as natural gas and LNG, which provide flexibility and lower emissions.
“This is not about choosing between coal and renewables, it is about ensuring the lights stay on, businesses remain competitive, and households are protected from rising costs,” PCCI Energy Director David Chua explained.
The Chamber called on policymakers to pursue a realistic and data-driven energy roadmap that:
• Maintains adequate baseload capacity;
• Encourages investments in clean coal technologies;
• Expands natural gas and LNG infrastructure; and
• Accelerates renewable energy alongside storage and grid modernization.
“Energy security is national security,” Ferrer added. “We must be flexible enough to adapt our policies to the realities of 2026. Lifting this moratorium provides the essential bridge we need to keep the lights on and the factories running while we continue to build our renewable capacity.”

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