PNOC EC can engage in Power Generation

DOJ AFFIRMS PNOC EC AUTHORITY TO ENGAGE IN POWER GENERATION 

The Department of Justice (DOJ), in an opinion released in June 2016, affirmed the authority of PNOC Exploration Corporation (PNOC EC) to engage in the business of power generation, contrary to earlier DOJ opinions on the matter.

In this recent opinion, the DOJ said that prohibiting PNOC EC from power generation runs counter to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9136 or the EPIRA Law which, among others, mandates the promotion and utilization of indigenous energy resources in power generation.Likewise, the DOJ found no law expressly prohibiting PNOC EC to venture in power generation.

Notably, PNOC EC’s mandate to generate power is established in its incorporation papers.