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As VIRES drops 900-MW fossil gas project in Batangas, CABATANG, Batangas communities win against LNG anew


Batangas, Philippines — The Clean and Healthy Air for All Batangueños (CABATANG), Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), and the people of Batangas celebrate another victory before the year's end. On Dec. 23, 2025, VIRES Energy Corporation (VIRES) announced the suspension of the 900-megawatt (MW) liquefied natural gas (LNG) power project in Batangas due to grid and supply challenges. It can be recalled that A Brown Company, Inc. released its decision to withdraw the fossil gas regasification unit last August 2024.


CABATANG and PMCJ have long been fighting against the fossil gas project. In Sept. 2023, PMCJ and CABATANG held a climate emergency and community consultation in Brgy. Simlong, Batangas City. The forum was conducted to strengthen the position of the affected communities against this fossil fuel project. The consultation concluded with an action directed against all fossil gas projects in the pipeline, which include the VIRES gas plant. 


"This is the best gift that we received this Christmas, and we celebrate this step away from dirty energy, which follows years of collective action by communities in Batangas and across the country," said Restituto Bobadilla, a resident of Brgy. Simlong, and president of CABATANG, a community-led movement on climate justice and the right to health.


“We have been waiting for VIRES to pull its plug against gas. We stepped up the pressure against the plant after it suspended the construction of its import terminal last August 2023. We know that this is coming,” Bobadilla continued.


The withdrawal protects the ecologically critical Verde Island Passage and addresses public health concerns, as Batangas City Health Office reported that the most common illnesses in the City were respiratory infection (10,650 cases) and hypertension (10,315 cases). The communities claim this is due to the high concentration of methane, which communities link to the area’s heavy concentration of fossil gas facilities. PMCJ and CABATANG urge all fossil gas developers to follow this example by abandoning LNG projects and redirecting investments toward clean, renewable, and community-sustaining initiatives that protect both the people and the environment.


“This withdrawal is a testament to the power of people’s movements to defend our right to a safe and healthy environment,” said Larry Pascua, senior energy program officer of PMCJ.


“For too long, fossil fuel corporations have prioritized profit over people and planet, putting vulnerable communities and irreplaceable ecosystems at risk. We urge A Brown Corp to fully abandon plans for any new fossil gas infrastructure and instead invest in genuine clean energy solutions,” Pascua added.


PMCJ welcomes the withdrawal but warns against replacing it with another fossil fuel project. The group urges the Department of Energy and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to enforce strict regulations, uphold environmental and health laws, and prioritize community rights in energy planning.


“We will continue to push for a just transition away from all fossil fuels—one that centers the needs of workers, women, fisherfolk, and communities most impacted by the climate crisis. Batangas and the Philippines deserve energy systems that protect our ecosystems, create dignified jobs, and ensure no one is left behind," Pascua ended. ###



FOR INQUIRIES OR INTERVIEWS, CONTACT:


Francisco M.  Bonbon

Campaign and Social Media Officer

Batangas Clean Air Organizing

Philippine Movement for Climate Justice

Mobile: +639086770223 


Agnes Ilagan

Batangas Provincial Lead 

Climate and Energy Transition

Philippine Movement for Climate JusticeEmail: ailagan.batangas@climatejustice.ph 

Mobile: +639338122077


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