AG&P: Campaign vs JBIC hurting PH transition to clean energy
INQ FILE PHOTO
International gas logistics company Atlantic, Gulf & Pacific Company (AG&P) expressed concern over recent efforts by nongovernmental organizations to campaign against Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) for supporting ongoing work on a natural gas import terminal in Batangas City.
AG&P is building the first and only full scale LNG terminal in the Philippines. LNG is considered as a key resource in energy security in the transition to cleaner sources of power.
Another LNG terminal by another company, First Gen Corporation, is also present in the province.
The campaign, targeting JBIC, is supposedly warning the public against believing disinformation allegedly being spread by Protect VIP, an advocacy group seeking to derail LNG projects in Batangas.
Protect VIP and CEED, apparently led by the same individual, have been actively spreading false information in Batangas thrrough social media.
The role of LNG in the transition to renewables is key to ensuring stable, reliable and equitable shift to 100 percent clean energy sources without compromising energy security.
AG&P said the actions of the two groups are counterproductive and detrimental to progress.
By targeting JBIC, a crucial supporter of the Philippines’ transition to clean energy, the groups are indirectly obstructing development and environmental goals that would impact job creation and millions of consumers dependent on stable and affordable energy.
The Department of Energy (DoE) supports a managed transition to fossil fuel-free energy without endangering energy security and economic stability.
““The Philippines is also one of the few countries in Southeast Asia which does not subsidize its power sector,” said the DoE in a previous statement.
“The costs of transition, as well as the need for greater investment infrastructure, will be fully borne by our already overburdened electricity consumers if we will not find strategic ways to shift the burden,” it said.
The DoE said LNG plays a critical role in the energy transition, especially in developing countries like the Philippines where an abrupt shutdown of non-renewable energy sources could be catastrophic.
The City of Batangas, which hosts LNG terminals, recently passed a resolution criticizing the CEED campaign against JBIC.
AG&P said it remained committed to the Philippines’ energy transition through responsible and sustainable means.
“We stand with JBIC and other institutions committed to a reasonable and responsible approach to energy security and sustainability,” said AG&P.
“We encourage CEED and allied NGOs to participate in constructive dialogue and collaboration,” it said.
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