Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _____________ 
Introduced by Representative KRISTINE SINGSON-MEEHAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippines continues to face persistent challenges in ensuring reliable, affordable, 
and sustainable energy supply. With growing demand for electricity and increasing dependence 
on imported fossil fuels, there is an urgent need to diversify our energy mix. 
Hydrogen has emerged globally as a transformative fuel that can provide clean and 
scalable energy solutions. It can be utilized across multiple sectors, making it a cornerstone of 
the global transition to a low-carbon economy. In particular, green hydrogen produced from 
renewable energy can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen reliance on imported fuel.  
This measure, entitled the “Philippine Hydrogen Act of 2025,” seeks to establish a 
comprehensive regulatory framework for the exploration, development, production, and 
utilization of hydrogen as an alternative fuel. It institutionalizes the Department of Energy’s 
mandate to lead in developing the hydrogen industry, streamlines permitting processes ensures 
environmental and safety standards, and provides incentives to encourage private sector 
participation and investments. 
By adopting this legislation, the Philippines positions itself to take advantage of 
emerging hydrogen technologies, strengthen energy security, attract investments, and align 
with global commitments to decarbonization. 
In view of the foregoing, the swift passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
DEPUTY SPEAKER KRISTINE SINGSON-MEEHAN 
2nd DISTRICT ILOCOS SUR 
August 28, 2025
1:22 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _____________ 
Introduced by Representative KRISTINE SINGSON-MEEHAN 
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A COMPREHENSIVE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 
FOR THE EXPLORATION, DEVELOPMENT, PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION OF 
HYDROGEN AS AN ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF FUEL ENERGY, AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
ARTICLE I 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
Section 1. Title – This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Hydrogen Act of 2025.” 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
promote the use and development of hydrogen as alternative source of fuel energy 
and recognizes its major role attaining greater energy security and achieving the 
country’s goal for a low-carbon future. Towards this end, the following are hereby 
mandated: 
2.1 All energy projects involving the exploration, development, production and 
utilization of hydrogen shall be considered Energy Projects of National 
Significance (EPNS) and shall be entitled to all the rights and incentives under 
Executive Order No. 30 and other related issuances of the DOE.  
2.2 Prioritization dispatch shall be afforded to power plants that use Indigenous 
Natural Gas among generation facilities using conventional energy sources. 
The DOE shall issue the necessary rules for such prioritization, which shall 
include and the standards and limitations for such prioritization and the process 
and level for minimum take-off from Natural Gas, and other provisions 
consistent with energy security and consumer welfare.  
Sec. 3. Cornerstones for the Development of the Hydrogen Industry. The 
government shall endeavor to provide a conducive industry environment for the 
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promotion and development of hydrogen as an alternative source of fuel energy, 
based on the following cornerstones: 
 
3.1 Energy Security. Diversify energy sources and increase utilization of 
indigenous resources in the production of hydrogen and its derivatives thereby 
reducing dependence on imported oil mitigating the country’s vulnerability to 
energy supply disruptions and fluctuations in the global energy market. 
 
3.2 Environmental Sustainability. Promote the acceleration alternative fuels 
and emerging technologies and intensification of EEC measures supporting the 
initiatives to mitigate GHG. 
 
3.3 Research and Technological Development. Drive innovation in the 
industry through collaboration with science and technology institutions in 
undertaking research and studies, implement technology demonstration and pilot 
projects, encourage technology transfer and adoption, and strengthen capacity-
building programs. 
 
3.4 Access to Financing and Investments. Accelerate the development of the 
industry through the establishment of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, institution 
of government financial support mechanisms and programs, and formulation of 
sustainable financing and investment roadmap. 
 
Sec 4. Scope. This Act shall provide a framework for the development of the hydrogen 
industry in the Philippines and define the responsibilities of various government 
agencies and private entities in furtherance of this national goal.  
 
All activities of the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Science and 
Technology (DOST) and other concerned government agencies relevant to the 
development and regulation hydrogen shall be in accordance with this Act.  
 
Sec 5. Definition of Terms. – For the purposes of this Act, the following terms shall 
be defined as follows:  
 
ARTICLE II 
Role Of Government 
 
Sec 6. Powers and Responsibilities of the Department of Energy (DOE). – In 
addition to its existing powers and functions, the DOE shall have the overall 
responsibility of supervising and monitoring the development of hydrogen as an 
alternative source of fuel energy and developing the strategies to implement the State 
policies declared under this Act.  
 
Toward this end, the DOE shall perform the following powers and functions:  
 
(a) Prepare the Strategic Roadmap for Hydrogen, defining the overall vision 
and strategy, industry’s milestone targets, and its needed support systems 
and resources, within two (2) years from the effectivity of this Act. 
 
(b) Approve or issue: 


 
i. 
Recommendation for the President’s approval the award of a 
Hydrogen Service; m 
 
ii. 
Permits 
for 
the 
construction, 
operation 
and 
maintenance, 
improvement, 
expansion, 
modification, 
maintenance, 
repair, 
rehabilitation, decommissioning and abandonment of downstream 
hydrogen facilities; 
 
iii. 
Accreditation of Hydrogen Energy Industry Participant (HEIP);  
 
iv. 
Acknowledgment of importation and exportation notification; and  
 
v. 
Other endorsements or issuances in furtherance of the development 
of the downstream hydrogen industry.  
 
The procedure for the processing and issuance of all permits and other 
clearances endorsements or issuances pursuant to this Act shall be 
governed by Republic Act RA No. 11234, otherwise known as the “Energy 
Virtual One Stop Shop Act” (EVOSS Act). The EVOSS Steering Committee 
shall streamline the permitting process for the downstream hydrogen 
industry and shall continue its mandate under the EVOSS Act;  
 
(c) Review, suspend or revoke, after due notice, contracts and permits issued 
in accordance with the preceding paragraph (b) herein, after a finding of 
non- compliance with the provisions of this Act, the implementing rules and 
regulations that shall be promulgated to implement it, and other related 
issuances;  
 
(d) Issue a written approval on the assignment or transfer of interest in any 
Hydrogen Service Contract or on any permit issued after finding that the 
assignee or transferee has met all the legal, technical, and financial 
qualifications and has committed itself to assume all existing obligations of 
the Permit Holder, and such assignment or transfer is in accordance with 
existing laws, rules, and regulations;  
 
(e) Promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act; 
 
(f) Within one (1) year from the effectivity of the Implementing Rules and 
Regulations (IRR) of this Act, issue in consultation with other concerned 
government agencies and stakeholders, establish the following:  
 
i. 
Facility Standards and Safety Codes: development, review, 
adoption, and updating of local facility standards and safety codes 
(for fire, explosion, and leakage) for hydrogen production, handling, 
storage, transmission, and distribution based on industry best 
practices, international standards, research, and technology 
advancements.  
 


ii. 
Product Quality: development, review, adoption, and updating of 
local product quality standards based on available international 
standards to define the acceptable range of parameters for hydrogen 
quality, including but not limited to purity levels, moisture content, 
impurity limits, energy content, and any other relevant parameters 
that may impact its performance, safety, and efficient utilization. 
 
(g) Endorse to the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) any reported or 
observed Anti-Competitive Behavior in the conduct of any business in the 
downstream hydrogen industry; 
 
(h) Issue directives to relevant government agencies, in their capacities as 
investing arms of the Government, to spearhead the development of the 
hydrogen energy value chain as the DOE may deem imperative to catalyze 
its the development within a given timeline; 
 
(i) Publish at the DOE website the list of Service Contractors and Permit 
Holders and Participants with the status of their projects;  
 
(j) Create offices and appoint personnel as may be necessary to efficiently and 
effectively implement this Act, subject to existing laws, rules and 
regulations;  
 
(k) Develop and establish such other plans and policies as may be consistent 
with and in furtherance of the State policies declared under this Act; and  
 
(l) Exercise such other powers and functions as may be necessary or 
incidental to attain the objectives of this Act.  
 
 
Sec. 6. Powers and Responsibilities of the Energy Regulatory Commission 
(ERC). – The ERC shall perform regulatory powers pursuant to Chapter IV of Republic 
Act No. 9136, otherwise known as The Electric Power Industry Act of 2001 (EPIRA) 
as amended, and such other powers as may be delegated to it by the DOE pursuant 
to this Act.  
 
The ERC shall provide the methodology for the determination of reasonable costs and 
other regulatory support for the generation of electricity sourced from Indigenous 
Natural Gas. The ERC shall likewise take into account the government share and other 
revenues in the production of the Indigenous Natural Gas sold to power plants.  
 
It shall perform its functions in a manner that supports the State policies declared 
under this Act and consistent with the plans and strategies developed by the DOE 
pursuant to this Act.  
 
It shall create offices and appoint personnel thereto as may be necessary to efficiently 
and effectively perform its functions in regulating power generated from Natural Gas, 
subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.  
 


Sec. 7. Powers and Responsibilities of the Department of Environment and 
Natural Resources (DENR). – _In addition to its functions under Executive Order No. 
192, otherwise known as the “Reorganization Act of the Department of Environment 
and Natural Resources”, the DENR shall, together with the DOE and other relevant 
government agencies, determine and monitor compliance with the environmental 
standards for the location siting, construction, operation and maintenance, expansion, 
rehabilitation, decommissioning and abandonment of hydrogen facilities, pursuant to 
existing laws.  
 
Sec. 8. Powers and Responsibilities of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) 
through the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). – In addition to its functions under 
Republic Act RA No. 9993, otherwise known as the “Philippine Coast Guard Law of 
2009”, the PCG shall, together with the DENR, determine and monitor compliance with 
the Marine Environmental Protection standards for the siting, construction, operation 
and maintenance, expansion, modification, rehabilitation, decommissioning and 
abandonment of hydrogen facilities.  
 
SEC. 9. Powers and Responsibilities of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) 
through the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). – _In addition to its functions 
under Presidential Decree No. 474, otherwise known as the “Maritime Industry Decree 
of 1974”, the MARINA shall have general jurisdiction over the development, promotion 
and regulation of all enterprises engaged in exploration, development, production and 
utilization of hydrogen and shall provide for the effective supervision, regulation and 
rationalization of the organizational management, ownership and operations of all 
water transport utilities and other maritime enterprises.  
 
Sec. 10. Powers and Responsibilities of the Department of Science and 
Technology (DOST). – _In addition to its functions under Executive Order No. 128, 
otherwise known as the “Reorganizing the National Science and Technology 
Authority”, the DOST shall undertake scientific and technological research and 
development for the improvement of hydrogen as an alternative source of fuel energy. 
 
Sec 11. Referral to the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC). M Consistent 
with its functions under the PCA, the PCC shall:  
 
11.1 Promote free and fair competition in all commercial economic activities 
in the hydrogen industry;  
 
11.2 Prevent economic concentration which may have the tendency to control 
the production, distribution, trade, or industry that will unduly stifle 
competition, constrict the discipline of free markets; and  
 
11.3 Penalize all forms of anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant 
position and anti-competitive mergers and acquisitions in the PDNGI, 
with the objective of protecting consumer welfare and advancing 
domestic and international trade and economic development.  
 
All matters involving or suspected by ERC and/or DOE to involve anti-competitive 
agreements or abuse of market power shall be referred to the PCC for investigation 
and adjudication. Where the act or acts to be referred to by the PCC are highly 


technical in nature, the ERC and/or DOE shall assist the PCC in its inquiry and 
analysis of the facts.  
 
Sec. 12. Powers and Responsibilities of the National Commission on Indigenous 
Peoples (NCIP). In addition to its functions under RA No. 8371, otherwise known as 
“The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997” (IPRA), upon the DOE’s endorsement 
in accordance with the PEP or upon the its certification that the project is an Energy 
Project of National Significance, the NCIP shall exempt such project from the 
requirements of Section 59, Chapter VIII of the IPRA, in accordance with the 
guidelines to be issued by the NCIP.  
 
ARTICLE III 
Exploration, Development and Production of Native Hydrogen 
 
Sec 13. Hydrogen Service Contracts. The Government may authorize the 
exploration and production of native hydrogen through Service Contracts following the 
framework provided under Presidential Decree (PD) No. 87, unless otherwise 
provided in this Act.  
 
The Government, through the DOE, may open and publish areas for application. 
Interested parties may also nominate areas of interest.  
 
The DOE shall issue the necessary implementing rules and regulations for the award 
of Service Contract under this Act. 
 
Sec 14. Exemption from Taxes. Hydrogen Service Contractors shall be exempt from 
all taxes, except income tax.  
 
Sec. 15. Government Share. The Government shall be entitled to no less than sixty 
percent (60%) of the difference between the gross income and the sum of operating 
expenses, Filipino participation incentive and such other special allowances which the 
DOE may grant. The Philippine Income Tax shall form part of the Government Share.  
 
Sec 16. Special Allowances for Hydrogen Service Contractors. The DOE may 
grant special allowance to Hydrogen Service Contractors, provided that the share of 
the Government, including all taxes, shall not be less than sixty percent of the 
difference between the gross income and the sum of operating expenses and such 
allowances as the Secretary of Energy may deem proper to grant.  
 
 
ARTICLE IV 
Downstream Hydrogen Industry 
 
Sec 17. Downstream Hydrogen Industry. The downstream hydrogen industry 
involves facilities and activities for the production, transmission, distribution and 
storage, utilization, and global trade of hydrogen in the energy sector. 
 
17.1 Production. Hydrogen production shall be classified according to its  
energy resource such as, but not limited to, RE, nuclear energy, fossil 
fuels, and electricity from the grid. 


 
In recognition of its role in the energy transition, production of hydrogen 
and its derivatives from RE (green hydrogen and green hydrogen 
derivatives) shall be preferred and shall be considered as renewable 
energy projects.  
 
Production of hydrogen and its derivatives using nuclear energy shall be 
recognized as an energy efficiency project.  
 
17.2 Transmission, Distribution, and Storage. From point of production,    
hydrogen can be transported, distributed, and stored in compressed gas 
or liquid form or by conversion to hydrogen derivatives, such as 
ammonia or liquid organic hydrogen carriers. Storage systems refer to 
specialized storage tanks and underground storage systems, among 
others. Transmission and distribution of hydrogen and its derivatives can 
be done through dedicated pipelines, chemical carriers, rail, or maritime 
distribution systems, and fueling stations.  
 
17.3 Utilization. Prospective uses of hydrogen in the energy sector shall be 
divided into power generation & electricity storage applications and non-
power applications. Power generation and electricity storage shall include 
use of electricity produced from hydrogen energy supplied to the grid or as 
backup and off grid power supply, industrial scale energy storage, co-firing 
with hydrogen derivatives in existing fossil fuel power plants, and hydrogen 
and its derivatives cogeneration systems.  
 
Meanwhile, non-power applications shall include the use of hydrogen as 
an alternative fuel for industrial, commercial, and transportation sectors.  
 
17.4 Import and Export. Contributing to the global strategy towards 
decarbonization and exploration of energy solutions, importation and 
exportation of hydrogen and its derivatives shall be considered in the value 
chain acknowledging its significance in supplementing domestic demand 
and utilizing surplus RE.  
 
Sec 18. Regulation of Downstream Hydrogen Industry Activities. In addition to its 
existing powers and functions, the DOE shall have the overall responsibility of 
supervising and monitoring the development of the downstream hydrogen industry 
and developing the strategies to implement the State policies declared under this Act.  
 
Sec 19. Hydrogen Supply. – _The procurement, delivery, and pricing of hydrogen 
from indigenous production facilities or from importation shall be transparent, 
competitive, and secure. If necessary, the DOE shall require the suppliers to submit 
relevant information pertaining to supply contracting, procurement, pricing, and 
distribution scheme to users for the purpose of monitoring. Procurement and use of 
native hydrogen shall be prioritized over imported hydrogen. The DOE shall 
promulgate rules which shall provide for the prioritization of the dispatch of power 
plants that use native hydrogen and the standards and limitations for such prioritization 
consistent with energy security and consumer welfare.  
 


Sec 20. Decommissioning and Abandonment of Downstream Natural Gas 
Facility. – No Permit Holder shall abandon or withdraw from service any portion of 
said downstream hydrogen facility or project without obtaining prior written 
authorization from the DOE and approval by the DOE of an abandonment and 
decommissioning plan based on Philippine or internationally-accepted standards.  
 
Sec 21. Transfer of Interest Permit. – _Assignment or transfer of the Permit or 
change of operatorship shall be allowed only upon prior written approval by the DOE 
based on acceptable reasons and compliance by the existing Permit Holder, the 
assumption by the assignee of all obligations of the existing Permit Holder, and upon 
meeting the minimum legal, technical, and financial qualifications by the assignee.  
The DOE may require Permit Holders to notify the DOE of any change in control or 
transfer of shares exceeding a specified threshold. In case of a transfer of more than 
fifty percent (50%) of the shares of the Permit Holder or Operator, without assignment 
of the Permit or change of  
 
ARTICLE IV 
Fiscal Incentives for the Downstream Hydrogen Industry 
 
Sec 22. Tax Incentives. In recognition of the substantial investments needed for the 
development, construction of, lease, operation and/or maintenance, downstream 
hydrogen facilities, and other activities in relation to the hydrogen energy value chain 
projects, as certified by the DOE, shall be included in Tier III of the Strategic 
Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), subject to the incentives provided under Title XIII (Tax 
Incentives) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 (NIRC), as amended by 
Republic Act No. 11534, otherwise known as the “Corporate Recovery and Tax 
Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act.”  
 
Moreover, the registered projects shall also be entitled to value-added tax (VAT) and 
duty exemptions as provided under Section 294 of the NIRC during the construction 
and expansion periods.  
 
Sec 23. Additional Incentive for Downstream Hydrogen Industry Participants.. 
The DOE may grant additional incentives registered downstream hydrogen industry 
participants, after consultation with the DOF.  
 
 
ARTICLE V 
Research and Development 
 
Sec 24. Research and Development (R&D). To monitor the innovation and 
development of the Hydrogen Energy industry, any person or entity engaged in or 
desiring to engage in the research, studies, experiments or other similar 
projects/activities involving Hydrogen Energy shall notify the DOE of such 
engagement.  
 
The DOE shall coordinate with the PERPI in the consolidation of energy research and 
policy development activities on Hydrogen Energy.  
 


Sec. 25. Grants and Privileges. If it will be determined that the proposed research 
activity, study, or experiment addresses the challenges and opportunities in the energy 
sector, and eventually lead to the promotion and transfer of technologies and services 
that seeks solution to energy security, efficiency, and conservation, the proponent may 
be awarded grants or financial assistance. Financial grants for Green Hydrogen and 
Green Hydrogen Derivatives shall be sourced from the RETF; otherwise, it shall be 
charged against DOE's appropriations. Thereafter, the amount necessary for the 
continued support for qualified research and development activities shall be included 
in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).  
 
 
ARTICLE IV 
Transitory Provisions 
 
Section 26. Non impairment of existing Service Contracts. All valid and existing 
contracts that may have been granted by the DOE at the date of the effectivity of this 
Act, shall remain valid, shall not be impaired, and shall be recognized by the 
Government until the termination or expiration thereof, including any extension 
allowed therein. Provided, That an existing service contract may be converted into a 
Service Contract under this Act, upon the application of the service contractor and 
subject to the approval of the President. Provided, further, That any application for 
conversion shall be submitted to the Department within eighteen (18) months from the 
effectivity of this Act. 
 
Sec 27. Existing Systems. – Downstream hydrogen facilities that have been 
constructed prior to the effectivity of this Act shall continue to be operated under their 
existing permits and shall comply with additional requirements as may be applicable.  
 
All Permit Holders and Participants shall comply with the provisions of this Act within 
two (2) years from the effectivity of the IRR of this Act: Provided, That health, safety, 
security, environmental, construction, operation, and other permits, licenses, 
certificates, and authorizations issued prior to the effectivity of this Act which are not 
inconsistent herewith shall remain valid.  
 
Sec 28. Pending Applications. All existing applications for service contract or any 
activity in the downstream hydrogen industry pending before the DOE upon the 
effectivity hereof shall be covered by this Act.  
 
ARTICLE IV 
Final Provisions 
 
Sec 29. Administrative Rules and Procedures. The DOE shall issue the 
administrative rules and procedure for the discharge of administrative cases and 
imposition of administrative fines and penalties. The Rules of Court shall apply in a 
suppletory manner.  
 
 
Sec 30. Fees. All concerned government agencies shall have the authority to 
prescribe and collect fees and charges relating to the issuance or review of Permits, 
and the supervision and regulation of the PDNGI.  


 
Sec 31. Amicable Settlement. All parties shall make their best efforts to amicably 
settle any dispute arising from the performance or interpretation of any provision of 
this Act.  
 
Sec 32. Congressional Oversight. The Joint Congressional Energy Commission 
(JCEC) shall exercise oversight powers over the implementation of this Act. The DOE 
and other concerned government agencies shall submit annual reports to the JCEC 
no later than the fifteenth day of September each year, which shall include the latest 
relevant data, implementation review and reports, and policy and regulatory issues.  
 
Sec. 33. Appropriations. The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act 
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.  
 
Sec 34. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The DOE shall promulgate the rules 
and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act within twelve (12) months 
after the effectivity of this Act.  
 
Sec 35. Separability Clause. If for any reason, any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other parts or provisions hereof, which are  
 
Sec 36. Repealing Clause. Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, 
letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is 
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.  
 
Section 37. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication 
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.  
 
Approved.