Energy & Mining

The major mining associations have raised concerns over newly issued joint rules from the Department of Energy and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, warning key provisions could create investment uncertainty and undermine existing legal rights. In a joint statement on Thursday, the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines and Philippine Nickel Industry Association said they back the government's goal of responsible resource development, but said Joint Administrative Order 2026-01 carries provisions that may conflict with existing laws, create uneven competition, and raise long-term investment risks. Their concerns include requirements that could force existing operators to surrender privately owned assets when contracts end, bidding rules that weigh closure costs against current operators unequally, and evaluation criteria that appear to downplay established operational experience and environmental performance. The groups emphasized policy consistency and respect for existing agreements remain essential to keeping the mining sector an economic driver and meeting the country's ease-of-doing-business goals, caution that unclear rules could also hurt ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment in critical minerals such as silica. Semirara Mining and Power Corporation has also raised separate concerns, noting the draft bidding framework would require it to hand over heavy equipment and facilities as a condition to bid on its own operating area, while new entrants face no such requirement and selection appears based primarily on bid price. The Department of Energy has acknowledged concerns, temporarily pausing bidding for several coal blocks in Antique, Cagayan and Isabela to revise evaluation standards, though it expects the process to resume by November or December this year. The department has yet to release final revised rules, with Semirara Mining's current contract set to expire in July 2027.

The Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) suffered a setback in its privatization drive after the bidding for its prime 39,698-square-meter Diliman property in Quezon City failed when none of the three interested firms submitted bids or paid participation fees. Holding a minimum price tag of P11.09 billion, the prime real estate asset represents a major financial opportunity for the state-run entity as it works to liquidate government power assets. PSALM now plans a second attempt next year, requiring a revised marketing strategy and new auction guidelines.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta Medical Center (MTCMC) has signed a renewable energy supply agreement with First Gen, becoming the first hospital in Pampanga to switch to clean power under the government’s Retail Aggregation Program.

The Philippines will promote low-carbon cement production, alternative fuels and energy-efficient technologies across Southeast Asia as it assumes the presidency of the ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM) for 2026–2028, balancing environmental goals with the industry’s competitiveness.

The Department of Energy will proceed with its updated bidding rules for brownfield coal resource areas despite opposition from key industry player Semirara Mining and Power Corp. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin affirmed that the revised terms will apply uniformly to all prospective bidders, as the government seeks to prioritize domestic fuel supply over foreign exports.