DMCI to challenge DOE-DENR order

DMCI Holdings Inc. said the joint circular on awarding contracts involving the Philippines’ natural resources could be challenged in court, warning that the new policy could slow investment in the country’s mining sector.

Isidro Consunji, chair and president of DMCI Holdings, said Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2026-01, promulgated by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), contradicts existing laws.

“It’ll probably be challenged in court, I guess,” Consunji said. “If it affects us adversely, we’ll probably have to challenge it.”

Consunji described the policy as “unfair,” noting that public consultations prior to the issuance felt rushed.

‘Not fair’

“It seems that they are changing the established agreement with the mining companies and so forth. It’s not fair. The operators have signed an agreement with the government. Apparently, the JAO is changing [that],” he added.

Under the joint policy, existing contract holders and operators that seek to participate in the competitive bidding for harnessing natural resources are required to turn over operational assets to the implementing agency once the contract lapses.

Other provisions include accounting closure liabilities and asset costs, along with evaluating proposals based on legal eligibility, technical capability and financial capacity.

“The companies are scared. Will the equipment remain with them once the contract expires? Under the existing agreement, there is no such provision. Why is it there one all of a sudden?” he told reporters.

Through its subsidiary, Semirara Mining and Power Corp., DMCI Holdings operates the coal mining complex on Semirara Island in Antique. Its mining business, DMCI Mining, runs mining sites in Zambales and is developing new mining sites in Palawan.

Consunji’s remarks coincided with the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines’ call for predictable policies to secure investments in the mining sector.