Env groups sue DOE Sec. Garin over coal plant approval

Environmental groups have filed graft and other administrative charges against Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin for approving the Atimonan One Energy Inc. (A1E) coal-fired power plant project.

The complainants allege that Garin's approval was granted despite an existing moratorium on coal projects, which was issued in 2020.

They claim the project was improperly exempted from the moratorium in July 2025, not meeting the necessary requirements for such an exemption.

In July of the previous year, the DOE reaffirmed the project's status as a committed project.

However, the DOE previously clarified that the moratorium is not a total ban and does not cover committed projects.

The charges filed include graft, grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

Atty. Aaron Pedroso of the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice stated that favoring corporations and giving them undue advantage, especially when it violates rules and laws, is a form of corruption.

The complaint was filed at the Office of the Ombudsman by groups including Quezon for Environment (QUEEN), church leaders, residents from Atimonan, and the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ).