Caritas Philippines warned lifting a coal moratorium could deepen inequality and undermine long-term national energy security.
The Church-based group said proposals raised during a recent Senate hearing risk increasing dependence on volatile global fossil fuel markets.
Caritas president Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos said such measures offer only temporary relief while creating lasting social and environmental harm.
“Energy policy must not sacrifice the poor and the planet for the illusion of immediate relief,” Alminaza said.
He said continued reliance on coal exposes the country to global price shocks, particularly during conflicts that disrupt international fuel supply chains.
Caritas said communities near coal facilities already face serious consequences, including pollution, health risks, and economic displacement affecting vulnerable households.
It cited residents in Quezon and Zambales provinces who continue to endure environmental damage linked to coal operations.
“These are not distant projections; they are the daily lived experiences of our people,” the group said.
The organization warned allowing lower-grade fuels would worsen air quality and further endanger public health in already burdened communities.
“We call on the government to reject any expansion of coal dependence, even as a temporary measure,” it said.
Caritas urged authorities to accelerate the transition toward renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, geothermal, and marine technologies.
“Investing in these resources will stabilize our energy security, protect our communities, and decouple our economy from volatile global markets shaped by war,” Alminaza added.
The group also stressed the need for clear transition plans protecting workers and communities affected by shifts in national energy policy.
It also called for accountability for environmental damage and stronger protections for communities already burdened by coal projects.
The Philippines imposed a coal moratorium in 2020 to encourage cleaner energy development, though some exemptions were later allowed.
Caritas said the current debate is a critical moment, urging leaders to pursue policies rooted in justice, sustainability and long-term national interest.
