Statement of Deputy Speaker and Lone District of Antique Congresswoman Loren Legarda on the Department of Energy’s new moratorium on greenfield coal power plants

Antique Congresswoman and Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda today said that she welcomes the recent pronouncements of the Department of Energy (DOE), that there’s a need to shift to a ‘more flexible power supply mix’ and imposing a moratorium on endorsements for greenfield coal power plants.

“This is a much-awaited development that should be embraced by businesses and households long clamoring for better energy services. Filipinos deserve and can soon enjoy reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy. We do not have to settle for just one benefit of clean energy, but we should work to achieve all these benefits, all together,” Legarda said.

The former Senator also added that, “by giving importance to the DOE’s mandate to modernize our power sector, aggressively pursue genuine competition, and provide consumers with least cost options, the agency is now on the right track towards leaving a legacy that contributes to our country’s sustainability and the global fight against dangerous climate change.”

As the climate champion of the Philippines, Legarda also noted that China, Japan and South Korea have now pledged to achieve net zero carbon by 2050, “which is why this pivot in our energy policies is a bold and strategic move in the furtherance of our national interest just like our fellow East Asian economies.”

Legarda is currently the UNISDR Global Champion for Resilience, the UNFCCC National Adaptation Plan Champion, and Commissioner of the Global Commission on Adaptation. She was recently appointed by the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) as Thematic Ambassador for Parliaments.***