By Nimfa L. Estrellado & Jay S. Lim Fr. Warren Puno addresses supporters during a rally outside the Department of Energy office in Bonif...
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| Fr. Warren Puno addresses supporters during a rally outside the Department of Energy office in Bonifacio Global City, as environmental groups protest the Atimonan coal power project. (Jay S. Lim) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon – The long-running dispute over the Atimonan One Energy coal power plant has intensified in early 2026, as legal action against the Department of Energy continues while the project’s backers move to keep it alive. What began as local opposition has grown into a national issue involving questions of law, public health, and government accountability.
Environmental groups, church leaders, and residents led by Fr. Warren Puno filed a formal complaint last November against DOE Secretary Sharon Garin. They accuse her of allowing the Atimonan One Energy Inc. project to proceed despite the government’s 2020 coal moratorium, which was meant to stop new coal developments.
Now under review by the Office of the Ombudsman, the complaint argues that the project’s exemption weakens environmental rules meant to protect communities. Advocates say the decision undermines public trust and raises doubts about how energy policies are enforced.
Public pressure has continued into 2026, with environmental groups using rallies, statements, and social media to keep the issue in the public eye. Calls for accountability have not eased, as advocates continue to press for answers while the legal process moves forward.
At the same time, the project’s developer, Meralco PowerGen, has taken steps to prepare the plant for possible construction, signaling its intent to keep the project viable despite ongoing opposition. In late 2025, company officials confirmed plans to seek power supply contracts through government-run bidding processes, which are needed to secure financing.
Department of Energy records still list the Atimonan plant as a “committed project,” placing it outside the coal moratorium. This status allows the company to pursue contracts and planning work even while the legal challenge remains unresolved.
Environmental groups say this situation shows how regulatory decisions can favor coal projects despite health and environmental concerns. They warn that once long-term contracts are signed, stopping the project would become far more difficult.
Puno said the complaint is focused on whether rules were properly followed and applied fairly, rather than on blocking development outright. He said the case raises wider concerns about how government agencies apply laws and grant exemptions.
“The case focuses on whether existing rules and procedures were properly followed. It raises questions about how exemptions were granted and whether safeguards were applied consistently. These are issues that affect public trust in regulatory institutions,” Puno said.
He also said changes in how the project is described do not remove its risks or lessen its potential impact on surrounding communities. He stressed that health and environmental impacts should remain a central concern.
“Changing the project’s classification does not eliminate its potential health and environmental impacts. Emissions and exposure risks remain a concern regardless of how the facility is described. For this reason, regulatory compliance should be assessed carefully,” Puno said.
Across Quezon Province, church groups, fisherfolk, and residents continue to speak out against the coal plant through protests, public statements, and community discussions. They say it threatens air quality, coastal waters, and livelihoods in communities already affected by pollution.
Puno said provincial leaders also have a role in shaping the outcome of the issue, particularly in protecting public health and local interests. He said clear and transparent decisions are needed to earn public confidence and maintain trust in public institutions.
“Quezon should pursue an energy direction that prioritizes public health and legal compliance. Transparency and accountability are essential in evaluating large infrastructure projects. Communities should have confidence in decisions that affect their environment and livelihoods,” Puno said.
As the year progresses, the Atimonan coal controversy remains a key test of governance and environmental protection, with implications that extend beyond the province. The outcome could influence not only Quezon’s future but how energy decisions are made nationwide.
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