Anakalusugan Partylist Rep. Michael Defensor has lauded the Department of Energy’s (DOE) pronouncement that coal remains an important part of the country’s energy mix.

The congressman particularly agrees with Energy Sec. Alfonso Cu

si’s view that the government cannot just cut the operations of existing coal power plants. Cusi himself had said that replacement sources would be needed if this happens.

While the DOE has imposed a moratorium specifically for the building of new coal plants, exploration activities shall continue. In fact, it recently approved initial plants for exploration projects in Zamboanga Sibugay.

Broadcaster and former AGHAM partylist Rep. Angelo Palmones agrees with Defensor, saying that while the DOE’s move is a “huge relief” for the country’s major power players,

banning coal for power would endanger the country’s energy security.

He added that anti-coal groups should understand that the Philippines cannot go full speed ahea

d on renewable energy, calling it neither cheap nor reliable.

Photo fro

m Philippine News Agency, House of Representatives website.