We have reported earlier that Prime Infrastructure Capital, Inc. or Prime Infra is set to assume full ownership of Malampaya deepwater project on Nov. 1 from Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. (SPEx) but the Senate have another thing in its sights in relation to the sale.

Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian is set to file a resolution to review the approval of the Department of Energy (DOE) for the sale of the 45% stake of SPEx to Prime Infra. The purpose is to evaluate how the DOE arrived at its decision to approve the sale.

“We will need to review it. We need to evaluate how the DOE approved it,” Mr. Gatchalian said and that they will check all the aspects, all the technicalities, in the spirit of transparency.

SPEx who operate Service Contract (SC) 38 which covers the Malampaya project located northwest of Palawan Island in the West Philippine Sea will continue to do so despite Prime Infra acquisition but will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prime Infra.

Malampaya remains a vital part of the Luzon’s energy supply as it contribute about 20% of its total electricity requirements according to the Department of Energy. The DOE also emphasize the need to maximize the utilization of the existing petroleum resources in Malampaya.

Palawan as the last frontier of the Philippines is resource rich in minerals and energy but has yet to fully integrate its development to its population amid the exploitation of its resources.