Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES|
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bilt No. 76.25

Introduced by REP. FERDINAND ALEXANDER A. MARCOS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In 2020, the Philippines was reported to have sourced 55% of its power from
coal-fired power plants, while natural gas-fired power plants contributed 21%, and
oil-based power plants brought in 4%. On the other hand, renewable energy sources
which include solar, hydro, wind, and geothermal generate around 20% of the
country’s power supply.

It must be noted however that fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas
are non-renewable energy sources formed naturally from the remains of plants and
animals. They are extracted then burned as fuel, which releases carbon dioxide to
the atmosphere. This contributes to global warming or more accurately, to climate
change. In comparison, renewable energy sources are natural resources which do not
diminish over time, hence, is to be preferred.

In order for our economic development to be sustainable, it is imperative that
we further pursue and promote renewable energy sources. This will not only avert a
possible global climate catastrophe but will also address the problem of expensive
and exhaustible fossil-based energy sources.

This bill aims to reduce the cost of electricity for our government by
promoting the development and utilization of solar energy in all government
buildings and offices. It seeks to attain the constitutional objectives of promoting “a
just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence” of
our nation (Section 9 of Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution) and, at the
same time, “protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful
ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature” (Section 16 thereot).

For these compelling reasons, the early approval of this bill is earnestly

sought.

FERDINAND ALEXANDER A. MARCOS


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 7625

Introduced by REP. FERDINAND ALEXANDER A. MARCOS

AN ACT
REDUCING THE COST OF ELECTRICITY FOR NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
OFFICES BY PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT AND UTILIZATION OF
SOLAR ENERGY IN ALL GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS AND OFFICES,
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known and referred to as the “Solar
Energy in National Government Offices Act”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policies. ~ It is hereby declared the policy of the State:

a) To mandate the development and utilization of renewable energy resources in
government buildings and offices;

b) To establish the infrastructure and mechanisms to ensure efficient, cost-
effective and sustainable supply of power from solar energy systems; and

©) To ensure energy-sufficiency of government agencies for the prompt and
unhampered delivery of services to its constituents.

SEC. 3. Coverage. ~ This Act shall provide a framework for the establishment of
solar energy systems in all national government buildings and offices.

SEC. 4. Establishment of Solar Energy Systems in National Government
Buildings and Offices. — All government agencies in coordination with the Department
of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Energy (DOE) shall


begin the construction of solar energy systems in and retrofit their respective buildings
and offices upon the effectivity of this Act.

Solar energy systems shall refer to energy systems which convert solar energy
into thermal or electrical energy.

SEC. 5. General Guidelines. ~ For purposes of this Act, the following are the
general guidelines for solar energy systems in national government buildings and
offices:

a) Establishment and construction shall immediately commence to supply power
to government buildings and offices;

b) The Department of Finance shall apply the appropriate provisions of Chapter
VII General Incentives of Republic Act No. 9513, or the Renewable Energy Act
of 2008, to the renewable energy systems to be established and constructed for
government agencies; and

©) Government agencies shall enjoy the privileges granted to qualified end-users
as certified by the DOE-Renewable Energy Management Bureau, as provided for
in Sections 10 and 12 of R. A. No. 9513.

SEC. 6, Minimum Standard. ~ The solar energy systems to be established shall
initially supply at least ten per cent (10%) of the electric power requirements of the
government agencies in their respective buildings or offices for the first year after the
effectivity of this Act: Provided, That solar energy utilization shall be increased annually
for five (5) years at which time the established solar systems are expected to have the
capacity to supply fifty percent (50%) of the power requirements of government
agencies: Provided, further, That nothing in this Act shall preclude the expansion of
existing solar energy systems installed in government buildings and offices.

SEC. 7. Funding. — The amount necessary for the immediate implementation of
this Act shall be charged against any available funds of the government agencies
covered in this Act. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary to implement this Act
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).

SEC. 8 Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Secretary of Energy, in
consultation with the Secretary of Public Works and Highways, shall issue the
implementing rules and regulations necessary for the effective implementation of this
Act within thirty (30) days upon the approval thereof. Such rules and regulations shall
take effect after they have been issued and shall be published in at least two (2)
newspapers of general circulation.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. - Any portion or provision of this Act that may be
declared unconstitutional or invalid shal! not have the effect of nullifying other portions


or provisions thereof, as long as such remaining portions or provisions can still subsist
and be given effect in their entirety.

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations,
administrative issuances and rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent herewith
are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its

publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,