Excerpt:Coal is an important resource and serves as one of the most significant energy sources of the Philippines. With the country possessing a vast amount of untapped coal reserves, coal can help address the increasing demand for electricity in the country. As an industry, coal production also can also contribute to the growth of the national economy and expedite the development of local host communities. The use and production of coal, however, has generated concerns, especially and most commonly those relating to the environment and to public health. Harnessing coal’s potential therefore requires achieving a careful balance between the possible costs and benefits of coal production. The coal mining operators, the Philippine government, and the civil society play key roles in attaining the said goal. Nevertheless, these players and stakeholders are limited by the regulatory framework defined by the existing policies governing the industry. In order for each stakeholder to act towards an optimal and equitable outcome, the regulatory environment must be shaped and re-shaped to be made conducive in the attainment of the said objective. This paper analyses the Philippine coal industry, focusing on the coal mining operations in the country. It provides an overview of the Philippine coal market, as well as the regulatory framework in which the industry operates. The paper offers general analysis and broad discussion of several regulatory concerns (e.g. revenue-sharing, environmental regulation, and social development) which call for further scrutiny and public attention. About the Author:Anton Miguel Ragos is a researcher from Action for Economic Reforms, a non-government organization conducting policy analysis and advocacy on key issues of economic reforms and access to information policies. He has written on various fiscal policy issues, particularly on tax policy reforms. He is currently an MA Economics student at the UP School of Economics. Content:
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