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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider The Stock Market devider Consunji-led Semirara sues gov't over fuel import taxes

Consunji-led Semirara sues gov't over fuel import taxes

Published Jun 18, 2025 03:32 pm
Consunji-led Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC) has filed a case against the Department of Finance (DOF), the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) over the imposition of taxes on its fuel imports.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Wednesday, June 18, SMPC stated that it has sought the Makati court to temporarily halt the government from collecting duties and taxes on its fuel imports, as the company asserts it is exempt under the Coal Development Act of 1976 and its coal operating contract (COC).
“The Company maintains that it remains exempt from such charges under the [Presidential Decree No.] 972 (Coal Development Act of 1976) and its Coal Operating Contract, which prevail over general laws and are protected by the Constitution’s Non-impairment Clause,” it stated.
According to Section 295 (F) of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), importation of petroleum products is subject to payment of applicable duties and taxes, as well as potentially refund them under valid circumstances.
With the amendment by the CREATE Law, registered business enterprises (RBEs) are required to pay customs duties and value-added tax (VAT) when importing petroleum products, and may also apply for a refund.
The DOF, BIR, and the BOC have yet to issue statements regarding this matter.
While the SMPC has not yet issued a detailed statement on its action over the agencies, it has recently secured an amended Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
This award would allow the expansion of the Semirara Coal Mine Complex, ensuring the increase of its coal production as well as its project area to 5,221.75 hectares within its 13,000-hectare COC.
SMPC remains the country's largest coal producer that owns and mines its own fuel source.

Related Tags

Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC) Department of Finance (DOF) Bureau of Internal Revenue BIR Bureau of Customs (BOC)
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