DOE says changes in coal bidding rules apply to all, not just Semirara

MANILA — Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin on Monday said the changes in bidding rules for coal exploration projects apply equally to all bidders, following claims by Semirara Mining and Power Corp. that the new conditions effectively prevent the company from participating in the bidding.

“I guess what they’re saying is that the rules on the bidding of a usual coal exploration has been changed recently. This is true in brownfield projects. Greenfield ‘yung same, but that’s a greenfield,” she said.

“Pag greenfield siya, pag bago siya, the rules are still the same. Pag brownfield, proven resource na ‘yan, proven and viable na ‘yung project. So, we have opted to make changes para ma-maximize din,” she added.

She said the shift aims to strengthen the country’s energy security by reducing reliance on coal exports.

“Right now kasi, baliktad eh, 80% yata na-export eh. Ngayon gusto natin because of the threat of the Middle East especially learning from the Middle East issue, kailangan talaga indigenous ‘yung source ng fuel natin, no? So, there are changes, there are changes,” she said.

Garin denied that the government was tailoring the rules to target any particular company.

“It’s the same rules for everyone eh, di ba? Pare-pareho naman. Kung mag-qualify ka based on our rules, it’s not because we’re just making rules particularly for one company, it’s for everyone,” she said.

“Hintayin na lang nila ‘yung TOR and everything else because they will be given a chance naman to prepare their documents, at least one month, and then mga November pa ‘yan saka namin i-evaluate. So we’re giving the chances naman to everyone. It’s just that the change of rules,” she said.

In July, Semirara sought the court’s protection after the Department of Energyrepeatedly asked for proprietary information, including a comprehensive list of its assets, relating to a coal plant it operates in Antique.

The DOE earlier said it has terminated the 2026 Coal Bid Round covering 3 areas to reassess the parameters for awarding Coal Operating Contracts (COCs). It said it would recalibrate the bidding parameters for enhanced economic benefits and long-term energy security. 

Garin said the submission and evaluation process for the bidding could take place around November or December.