LEADERS from various multi-sectoral groups yesterday, September 11, criticized the Philippine government for failing to implement a total ban on coal-fired power plants, highlighting the urgency of the climate crisis.
In a press conference ahead of the Global Week of Action, they called for a permanent ban on new coal projects and a complete coal phase-out by 2035.
Critics targeted the Department of Energy (DOE) for exempting the Villanueva coal plant expansion in Misamis Oriental, among others, from the 2020 moratorium on new coal projects.
Despite the moratorium, DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla has allowed the expansion of five coal-fired power plants, citing exemptions for projects that are already committed or undergoing expansion.
“Coal is harmful to people, the environment, and the climate. We need a permanent ban, not just a moratorium,” said Ian Rivera, national coordinator of the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ).
Rivera pointed out the need for the Philippines to exit coal by 2035 to meet global climate targets.
Sanlakas Secretary-General Aaron Pedrosa accused Lotilla of undermining the coal moratorium by green-lighting the expansion of Aboitiz-owned Therma Visayas, Inc. (TVI) in Toledo City, Cebu.
“The Villanueva and TVI expansions are disastrous for communities and ecosystems,” Pedrosa said.
Sanlakas has filed a complaint with the Ombudsman against Lotilla for violating the moratorium and relevant laws.
Coal still dominates the Philippines’ power generation mix, accounting for 61.9% in 2023. Despite global efforts to reduce reliance on coal, nine new coal projects with a combined capacity of 2,255 megawatts are in the pipeline.
Environmental advocates, including Oriang President Floras Santos, raised concerns over the health and environmental impacts of coal plants in areas like Villanueva, Pangasinan, Bataan, and Quezon Province, where air pollution and respiratory diseases have been reported.
The groups also urged Asian governments to stop expanding coal projects and to rapidly phase out existing plants, citing financing from Global North countries as a key driver of coal development in Asia.
