ara)

RECEINETD
2 JUL 2015

2015
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC )
ol HE PHILIPPINES )

First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
RESIST MTON UNIT

HN :
0. 4458 — LT SAND ACEX SERVICE

Introduced by Representative Herminio Harry L. Roque Jr

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Solar energy has been discovered to be a viable alternative to traditional sources of
energy such as petroleum. Solar energy, which is radiant light and heat from the sun, has
been harnessed over time using a range of ever-evolving technologies. Solar energy
technologies include solar heating, solar photovoltaics, solar thermal electricity, and solar
architecture.

Solar Photovoltaic devices (PV), or solar cells, change sunlight directly into
electricity. PV systems are often used in remote locations that are not connected to the
electric grid. ‘They are also used to power watches, calculators, and lighted road signs.

Due to the growing demand for renewable energy sources, the manufacturing of solar
cells and photovoltaic arrays has advanced considerably in recent years. Solar photovoltaics
is growing rapidly, albeit from a small base, to a total global capacity of 69 GW at the end of
2011. The total power output of the world’s PV capacity run over a calendar year is equal to
some 80 billion kWh of electricity. This is sufficient to cover the annual power supply needs
of over 20 million households in the world. Solar photovoltaics is now, after hydro and wind
power, the third most important renewable energy source in terms of globally installed

capacity. More than 100 countries use solar PV.


The United States, in particular, has now made steps to use solar power to provide
energy to homes and businesses. The U.S. solar energy initiative is designed to make solar
energy cost effective by 2015 through cost-shared, public-private partnerships.

The Philippines, which is blessed with tropical weather, should explore this particular
renewable energy resource. Not only is its supply unlimited, but it is environment-friendly.

Hence, there is a need to create an agency which shall spearhead its research and

development.!

AWM

HERMINIO HARRY L. ROQUE JR.

' This bill was originally filed by Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago during the Fifteenth Congress, Third
Regular Session


SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC)
OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.No. 4458

Introduced by Representative Herminio Harry L. Roque Jr.

AN ACT
CREATING THE PHILIPPINE SOLAR INITIATIVE COMMISION

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 “The Philippine Solar

Initiative Commission Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ It is hereby declared the policy of the State to free
the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full
employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all. Towards this
end, the State shall aim to achieve energy independence and to intensify renewable energy

resource development.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — For purposes of this act, the following terms shall
have the corresponding meaning

A) “Commission” shall refer to the Philippine Solar Initiative Commission;

B) “Chair” shall refer to the Philippine Solar Initiative Commission chairperson:

C) “Solar Energy” shall refer to the energy coming from the heat of the sun;

D) “Photovoltaic (PV)” shall refer to a semiconductor-based technology which converts

light energy directly into an electric current.


2

4

SECTION 4. Creation of the Philippine Solar Initiative Commission, ~ There is hereby
created the Philippine Solar Initiative Commission (PSIC), which shall be the agency in-charge

of systematically determining an appropriate model and method in conserving solar energy to aid

and promote national development, with the following specific objectives:

A) Enhance the efficient use of solar energy;

B) Strengthen and assist the government in the economic and social service especially in
solar energy initiative plan, and policy;

C) Issue rules and regulations in assuring the implementation of this Act;

D) Represent the government in all meetings and conferences concerning solar energy:

E) Recommend possible legislation, policies, and programs concerning conservation and

utilization of solar energy

SECTION 5. Chairman and Commissioners of the Philippine Solar Initiative
Commission. ~ The Commission shall be an attached agency of the Department of Energy. ‘The
Commission shall be headed by @ Chairperson and five (5) Commissioners. One of the
Commissioners shall be from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and another
one from the Department of Science and Technology

The Chair and the Commissioners, who must be citizens of the Philippines, holders of
College Degrees, and who must have an expertise on solar energy, shall be appointed by the

President.

SECTION 6. Powers and Functions of the Commission, ~ The Commission shall have
the following powers and functions:
A) To facilitate installation of solar energy saving devices such as solar power plants;

B) To provi

je and create advance technology to conserve solar energy;

©) To admi

ster research and development projects related to solar energy;
D) To oversee and coordinate national and local programs to develop PV markets;
E) To issues and regulate policies to promote PV in the country both at the national and

local levels;


1 F) To raise and receive funds and donations in support of the solar energy programs.
2 SECTION 7. Appropriations. — To carry out the provisions of this Act, such amount as

3 may be necessary is hereby authorized to be appropriated from the National ‘Treasury.

‘Thereafter, the amount necessary for the continuous operation of the Commission shall be

5 included in the annual appropriations of the Department of Energy.

6 SECTION 8. Separability Clause. — If any provision, or part hereof, is held invalid or
7 unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain

8 valid and subsisting.

9 SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. ~ Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
10 order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent

11 with, the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

2 SECTION 10. Effectivity Clause. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

13 publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved, Jk