PH issues guidelines on carbon credits for energy sector

A new task force will oversee carbon credit implementation.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued new guidelines governing the generation, management, and monitoring of carbon credits in the energy sector.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin signed Department Circular No. DC2025-09-0018 on 23 September 2025.

The circular, published on 10 October 2025, provides the policy framework for carbon credit implementation and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, attract clean energy investments, and support the country’s climate and sustainability goals.

The policy establishes a Carbon Credit Certificate (CCC) as the official DOE-recognized unit representing one metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO₂-e) of verified emission reduction.

These credits may be traded nationally or internationally under mechanisms such as Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, CORSIA, or other carbon market systems.

A Task Force on Energy Carbon Credits (TFECC) will oversee coordination, transparency, and verification to ensure emission reductions are measurable and compliant with international standards. The framework also sets rules on ownership, transfer, and safeguards against double counting.

The Philippines plans to engage in carbon trading with countries such as Singapore, Japan, and several European nations to promote high-integrity carbon markets and develop mutually beneficial, Article 6-compliant projects.

The DOE said the measure supports the goals of the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) 2023–2050, advancing a secure, sustainable, and low-carbon energy future while strengthening the country’s readiness to participate in global carbon cooperation initiatives.