The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has endorsed a potential reversal of the 2020 ban on new coal-fired power plants, framing it as a critical stopgap measure to maintain economic stability during an escalating energy emergency.
“Our economy cannot run on uncertainty,” stated 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.”
The call follows recent remarks from Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, who indicated the Department of Energy is reconsidering the moratorium. This policy shift is driven by soaring global fuel prices, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, which prompted the Philippine government to declare an energy crisis.
PCCI, representing the nation's largest business consortium, argues that allowing new coal plants could serve as a “temporary and pragmatic” bridge to secure baseload power. The group emphasizes that this should not undermine long-term clean energy objectives but instead address urgent supply and cost pressures.
“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,” explained David Chua, PCCI’s energy director.
The chamber cited three primary factors necessitating policy flexibility: the growing demand for reliable power as manufacturing sectors expand, persistently high electricity rates that hurt competitiveness, and vulnerability to volatile international oil and gas markets.
PCCI stipulated that any newly permitted coal facilities must employ high-efficiency technologies and be integrated into a comprehensive transition strategy. The organization also urged the government to simultaneously accelerate investments in natural gas, renewable energy sources, energy storage solutions, and grid modernization.
“We must be flexible enough to adapt our policies to the realities of 2026,” Ferrer concluded. “Lifting this moratorium provides the essential bridge we need to keep our economy powered while we build a sustainable energy future.”