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

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BiliNo._6972 _

Introduced by Representative CHING B. BERNOS

AN ACT MANDATING THE USE AND UTILIZATION OF ON-GRID SOLAR
ENERGY SYSTEMS IN NATIONAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT-OWNED
BUILDINGS, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR,

AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article II, Section 16 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution emphasizes the significant
role of a healthy environment in our well-being by stating that “The State shall protect
and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the
thythm and harmony of nature.”

‘The Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change, was
entered into force on 04 November 2016. It aims to limit global warming to well below 2,
but preferably 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. However, according
to the Emissions Gap Report 2022 of the UN Environment Programme, there is no
feasible way to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and to avoid a climate
catastrophe, we must cut emissions by 45% by the year 2023. The Emissions Gap Report
calls for rapid transformation of societies and urges system-wide transformations
including in the electricity supply, to avoid climate disasters. Hence, expanding renewable
energy as swiftly as possible is necessary.

Solar energy is an efficient alternative that offers cleaner and greener source of
energy. It is an excellent example of a renewable energy source as it is powered by the
light and heat of the sun, making it sustainable and inexhaustible. Solar energy is also a

great way to reduce our carbon footprint as it does not release greenhouse gases and other
toxic chemicals.


In recent years, there has been a significant decrease in the prices and installation
costs of solar panels worldwide, including in our country. Considering that the life
expectancy of solar panels is around 25-30 years, it is irrefutable to admit that investing
in solar panels is a practical way to save our environment and dodge climate catastrophes.

Installing on-grid solar energy systems in our national and local government-
owned buildings is vital for reducing our country’s carbon emissions, setting in motion
our independence from harmful fossil-fuel-based energy.

In light of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

ING B. BERNOS
Lone District of Abra


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

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No,_ 6972

Introduced by Representative CHING B. BERNOS.

AN ACT MANDATING THE USE AND UTILIZATION OF ON-GRID SOLAR
ENERGY SYSTEMS IN NATIONAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT-OWNED
BUILDINGS, 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 as the “On-grid Solar Energy
Systems for National and Local Government Owned Buildings”.

SECTION. 2. Declaration of Policies. — It shall be declared the policy of the
State:

a.) To reduce the cost of electric usage in government owned buildings;
b.) To mandate the utilization of solar energy resources in government owned
buildings and offices;

c.) To ensure a sustainable and environmentally sound manner of delivering
services to our people;

SECTION. 3. Coverage. — This act shall provide a framework for establishing on-
grid solar energy systems in all government owned buildings and offices.

SECTION. 4. Establishment of On-Grid Solar Energy Systems in
National and Local Government-Owned Buildings and Offices. - All


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government agencies, in coordination with the Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Energy (DOE), shall begin construction and
installation of on-grid solar energy systems in and retrofit their respective buildings and
offices with one (1) year after the effectivity of this Act;

SECTION. 5. Definition of Terms. -
a.) Government-owned buildings - All buildings wholly owned by the
National Government or any Local Government Unit that is utilized for its
operation.
b.) On-Grid Solar Energy Systems - Solar Energy Systems shall refer to
energy systems that convert solar energy into thermal or electrical energy
that do not require batteries for power storage.
c.) Average Monthly Utilization (AMU) - refers to the average number of
kilowatt hours utilized in one month.

SECTION. 6. Policy. - The government agencies concerned shall ensure that
twenty percent (20%) of its AMU is covered by the On-Grid Solar Energy Systems to be
installed within one (1) year after the effectivity of this Act.

Thereafter, Forty percent (40%) of its AMU within the second year;

Sixty percent (60%) of its AMU within the third year;

Eighty percent (80%) of its AMU within the fourth year; and,

One Hundred percent (100%) of its AMU in the fifth year.

SECTION. 7. Funding. - The amount necessary for the immediate
implementation of this Act shall be charged against any available funds of the government
agencies covered by this Act. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary to implement
this Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act (GAA). The installation of
On-Grid Solar Energy Systems shall be performed by DOE-accredited installers in
accordance with Government Procurement Laws.

SECTION. 8. Penalty. - Failure to abide to the provisions of this Act shall hold
the Head of said Government agencies administratively liable.


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SECTION. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of
Energy shall provide the necessary implementing rules and regulations for the effective
implementation within thirty (30) days upon the approval of this Act. Rules and
regulations shall take effect after they have been made and shall be published in at least
two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

SECTION. 10. Separability Clause. - Any portion or provisions of this Act that
may be declared unconstitutional shall not have the effect of nullifying other portions or
provisions hereof, as long as such remaining portions or provisions can still subsist and
be given effect in their entirety.

SECTION. 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, acts, decrees, executive orders,
issuances, and rules and regulations or parts that are contrary to and inconsistent with
this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SECTION. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following

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

Approved,