Clean energy movers hail new DENR chief Lotilla

Raphael Lotilla’s appointment as the new secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has been cheered by the private sector—Meg J. Adonis

MANILA, Philippines – The reassignment of Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla as the new environment chief could be a “unique opportunity” for clean power to gain stronger momentum, an industry leader said.

Manny Rubio, Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen) president and chief executive, said Lotilla has provided a “steady” leadership at the DOE, an important aspect as the country embraces significant changes in the sector, including the acceleration of renewables.

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MGen is the power generation arm of Manila Electric Co., which is backed by business titan Manuel V. Pangilinan. It has a diverse portfolio of power generation facilities, including a 4,953-megawatt (MW) capacity from both traditional and renewable sources.

MGen is also behind an upcoming massive solar farm in Luzon, touted to become the world’s largest solar facility.

“His leadership and policy insight will definitely be missed,” Rubio told Inquirer.

But he believes Lotilla shifting to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) was a smart play that could still benefit the power sector.

“It’s a chance to bridge energy and environmental goals even more closely—something we really need as we push forward with the energy transition,” he said.

“Regulatory alignment is key, and I’m hopeful that under his leadership, we’ll see stronger synergies across the board,” the executive added.

Lotilla will replace DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga.

Oliver Tan, Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. (CREC) president and CEO, also reiterated in a message the group’s commitment to supporting the DOE’s renewable energy initiatives.

CREC is targeting five gigawatts of renewables capacity by 2028. Currently, the company’s installed capacity is 285 MW coming from 10 solar power facilities.

Tan said his company would work closely with Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin, who has been designated as officer-in-charge of the agency.

In a separate interview, Energy Regulatory Commission Chair Monalisa Dimalanta said Garin’s appointment was one of cohesion, “[ensuring] continuity in policy implementation in the energy sector where decisions have long-term implications. We remain hopeful and will fully support efforts to make sure that this is realized.” INQ