Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin said she prefers private firms to take the lead in the government’s upcoming coal resource bidding, stressing that state-run companies should not compete with the private sector unless necessary.
Garin said the Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) is not barred from joining the bid but should step in only if private players are unwilling or unable to develop the resources. She added that PNOC may later participate as a partner.
The DOE will launch a pre-determined area (PDA) coal bid round on Feb. 27, 2026, offering 18 coal blocks in Antique, Cagayan and Isabela. The areas include rights currently held by Semirara Mining and Power Corp., part of the Consunji Group, whose contract expires in July 2027. Bid submissions are due on April 28, 2026.
The DOE said the competitive process aims to boost local coal production and strengthen energy security. In 2024, the Philippines consumed 46.67 million metric tons (MT) of coal but produced only 15.92 million MT domestically, with SMPC accounting for 93.7 percent of output.
Officials said increasing local supply could help reduce reliance on imports and support more stable power generation for consumers.
