IN a joint statement on Tuesday, August 13, nine business groups expressed their support for Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and the 'balanced' approach the Department of Energy is taking toward building up the Philippines' generation capacity and energy mix. The endorsement from the business community, which was evidently inspired by a vexatious graft complaint filed recently against Lotilla, may have limited impact, but it certainly expressed the correct point of view and is most welcome.

The brief statement read, in part: 'We, the undersigned business groups, applaud how the Department of Energy (DoE), under the leadership of Secretary Raphael P. M. Lotilla, has pursued an energy policy appropriate to the country's particular context, recognizing the importance of pursuing a balanced energy mix. As an emerging market, the country must balance energy security and affordability with climate change concerns to support its economic progress.'