The Department of Energy (DOE) has denied allegations that it is favoring certain companies under its revised guidelines for coal exploration bidding in the Philippines.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the rules needed to be revised for brownfield projects, or areas with previously confirmed coal deposits, due to legal, technical, and financial considerations.
Garin stressed that the revised guidelines would be applied fairly and equally to all companies interested in participating in the bidding process.
The new bidding process is expected to begin this month, with the evaluation of bids scheduled for November or December.
The DOE’s clarification came after it canceled the previous bidding for coal areas in Antique, Cagayan, and Isabela, as well as Semirara Island, where Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC) holds a contract.
SMPC had complained that it was not properly informed of the changes to the bidding rules.