The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) on Wednesday threw its support behind a government review of the country’s moratorium on new coal-fired power plants, calling the move a “pragmatic” response to intensifying energy security risks.
The stance follows signals from the Department of Energy (DOE), led by Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, that it is reassessing the 2020 ban as global supply pressures mount. Ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and persistently high fuel prices have heightened concerns over grid stability and electricity costs.
“Our economy cannot run on uncertainty,” said PCCI president Ferdinand Ferrer. “While the transition to renewable energy remains our long-term goal, our immediate priority must be the stability and affordability of our power grid.”
Ferrer stressed that any reconsideration of coal projects should be conditional on the adoption of modern, high-efficiency, low-emissions technologies, aligning short-term needs with environmental commitments.
Business leaders pointed to three key factors shaping their position: the need for dependable baseload power to sustain a growing manufacturing sector, the urgency of lowering electricity costs to attract investment, and the importance of insulating the economy from volatile global oil and gas markets.
PCCI Energy Director David Chua underscored that the policy shift is not a retreat from clean energy goals. “This is not about choosing between coal and renewables—it is about keeping the lights on, businesses competitive, and households protected from rising costs,” he said.
The group also highlighted the role of transition fuels such as natural gas and liquefied natural gas in diversifying supply and cutting emissions.
Ferrer emphasized that “energy security is national security,” urging policymakers to pursue a flexible, data-driven roadmap while accelerating renewable energy development.
