GREEN groups and energy advocates have expressed dismay over the alleged “midnight exemption” given to local coal mining companies from the new coal tax approved by both Houses of Congress. “Like a thief in the night, DMCI and SMPC have successfully influenced Congress to delete the approved provision including local coal in the coal tax,” lawyer Aaron Pedrosa, secretary-general of the multi-sectoral coalition Sanlakas, said. He said this goes against the spirit of the proposed law, which would supposedly rein in the country’s continued reliance on coal for energy. He also pointed out that the exclusion of coal excise tax provision will only encourage the expansion of coal mining in the country. “Exempting local coal producers will incentivize indigenous coal production in the Philippines, contrary to our commitment to curb our emissions and to the detriment of the health, security, and livelihood of affected communities,” Pedrosa said.

Source: Manila Times December 17, 2017 13:52 UTC