DOE, PNOC all set for talks on natural gas terminal project

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi will discuss state-owned Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) the details of a plan to establish an integrated liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in the country.

A meeting has been set for July 14, Friday.

"I have a board meeting on the 14th with PNOC. What we are going to discuss, ang only subject matter namin, is the LNG terminal," Cusi told reporters on the sidelines of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc.'s 10th year listing anniversary on the Philippine Stock Exchange in Makati City on Tuesday.

"'Yung pag-uusapan namin is we need somebody who has the technical capability because we lack that. We need somebody who understands the LNG trade to partner with us. And, of course, who can help achieve the objective of national energy security?" Cusi noted.

China, Japan and Russia are also interested to join in the LNG terminal project, according to the Energy chief.

"Well, maybe we will not decide agad. Depende on what we are going to discuss," he said when asked the government can decide on the partners to take in the project.

"Because ang sinasabi natin, for this LNG terminal, is for us to achieve energy continuity kapag naubos na 'yung Malampaya gas field. And we are also taking our chance to become the hub of LNG in our region," he added.

Cusi said that the PNOC would be the main local partner of the Department of Energy (DOE).

However, "possibilities are varying. Hindi naman natin sinasabi na hindi sila  pwede sumali dito. What we are trying to look for is what they can contribute to the equation." — VDS, GMA News