FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Thil'd Regular Session 
') 
SENA1;E.-, 
S. No. 
.5.::47 
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Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
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 [rom 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 of69 GW at the end of2011. 
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 solarPV. 
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. 
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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 creal..: an agency which shall spearhead its research and development.] 
~'- 4~ . 
.4-- ,~,~ 
. MIRIAM DEF~NSOR S-Mm~o 
oJf 
I This bill was originally filed in the House of Representatives as HBN 17 by Rep. Roilo Golez. 
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FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF TI-IE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Third Regular Session 
) 
SENA~ 
____________________ 
S._N_O_. _____ ~_7 _________ !_:_. ______ 
.. ~L~.,~-
, . 
I 
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Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
CREATING THE PHILIPPINE SOLAR INITIATIVE COMMISION 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "The Philippine Solar 
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Initiative Commission Act." 
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SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to free 
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the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full 
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employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all. Towards this 
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end, the State shall aim to achieve energy independence and to intensify renewable energy 
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resource development. 
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SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this act, the following tenns shall 
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have the corresponding meaning: 
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A) "Commission" shall refer to the Philippine Solar Initiative Commission; 
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B) "Chair" shall refer to the Philippine Solar Initiative Commission chairperson: 
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C) "Solar Energy" shall refer to the energy coming from the heat of the sun; 
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D) "Photovoltaic CPV)" shall refer to a semiconductor-based technology which converts 
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light energy directly into an electric current. 
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SECTION 4. Creation of the Philippine Solar Initiative Commission. - There is hereby 
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created the Philippine Solar Initiative Commission (PSIC), which shall be the agency in-charge 
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of systematically determining an appropriate model and method in conserving solar energy to aid 
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and promote national development, with the following specific objectives: 
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A) Enhance the efficient use of solar energy; 
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B) Strengthen and assist the government in the economic and social service especially in 
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solar energy initiative plan, and policy; 
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C) Issue rules and regulations in assuring the implementation of this Act; 
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D) Represent the government in all meetings and conferences concerning solar energy; 
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E) Recommend possible legislation, policies, and programs concerning conservation and 
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utilization of solar energy. 
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SECTION 5. Chairman and Commissioners 0/ the Philippine Solar Initiative 
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Commission. - The Commission shall be an attached agency of the Department of Energy. The 
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Commission shall be headed by a Chairperson and five (5) Commissioners. 
One of the 
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Commissioners shall be from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and another 
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one from the Department of Science and Technology. 
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The Chair and the Commissioners, who must be citizens of the Philippines, holders of 
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College Degrees, and who must have an expertise on solar energy, shall be appointed by the 
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President. 
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SECTION 6. Powers and Functions o/the·Commission. - The Commission shall have 
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the following powers and functions: 
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A) To facilitate installation of solar energy saving devices such as solar power plants; 
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B) To provide and create advance technology to conserve solar energy; 
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C) To administer research and development projects related to solar energy; 
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D) To oversee and coordinate national and local programs to develop PV markets; 
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E) To issues and regulate policies to promote PV in the country both at the national and 
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local levels; 
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F) To raise and receive funds and donations in support of the solar energy programs. 
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SECTION 7. Appropriations. -
To carry out the provisions of this Act, such amount as 
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may be necessary is hereby authorized to be appropriated from the National Treasury. 
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Thereafter, the amount necessary for the continuous operation of the Commission shall be 
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included in the annual appropriations ofthe Department of Energy. 
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SECTION 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision, or part hereof, is held invalid or 
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unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain 
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valid and subsisting. 
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SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
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order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent 
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with, the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
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SECTION 10. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
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publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
lacs 
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