Energy chief faces complaints over coal-fired power plant project in Quezon

Metro Manila, Philippines - Group leaders filed criminal and administrative complaints on Monday, Nov. 3, against Energy Secretary Sharon Garin over her approval of a coal-fired power plant project in Quezon province.

Leaders of the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice, Quezon for Environment, and Kapakanan sought the filing of graft, grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service against Garin at the Office of the Ombudsman.

The complaints stemmed from the 1,200-megawatt Atimonan One Energy, a coal-fired power plant project of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) Powergen Corporation, which Garin greenlighted despite a moratorium.

In 2020, the Department of Energy (DOE) ordered the stop to the development of new coal-fired power plants.

The DOE has yet to issue a comment pending receipt of the complaint.