‘Many firms interested in Semirara coal contract’Photo shows the coal-carrying trucks going to Semirara mine site in Antique. MANILA, Philippines — Energy Secretary Sharon Garin is confident that “many” industry players will vie for Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC)’s prized coal contract in Antique, whose auction is set to open this Friday. “I think there will be many companies that will be interested,” Garin said in an interview, while noting that no firm has formally conveyed its intent to the Department of Energy (DOE). “Of course, Semirara has proven itself already, so any other challengers for that should prove that they could do better than Semirara,” Garin stressed. An Aboitiz Power Corp. executive has said coal mining falls outside the scope of their business, while Ang told The STAR he is still undecided about the bidding.

Source: Philippine Star February 25, 2026 16:15 UTC