Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City, Metro Manila i

pare 07 AUG ms

TWENTIETH CONGRESS ‘iS
First Regular Session

3126

HOUSE BILL NO, ~~"

fel RECEIVED ©
eo,

Introduced by Representative JB 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 Il, Section 16 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution underscores the State’s duty
to protect and promote the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology, in
harmony with nature. This constitutional mandate compels both the government and
society to pursue policies that safeguard environmental sustainability for present and

future generations.

On the global stage, the Philippines is a signatory to the Paris Agreement, a legally
binding international treaty on climate change that entered into force on 4 November
2016. The agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius—
preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius—above pre-industrial levels. However, the Emissions
Gap Report 2022 by the UN Environment Programme warns that limiting warming to
1.5 degrees Celsius is no longer plausible under current trajectories. To avert climate
catastrophe, global emissions must be reduced by 45% by 2030. Achieving this requires
rapid, system-wide transformations—particularly in the energy sector.

Among the most viable solutions is the accelerated shift toward renewable energy
sources, with solar energy emerging as one of the most accessible and sustainable

options. Solar power harnesses the sun’s heat and light, offering a clean, renewable,


and inexhaustible energy source. It produces no greenhouse gas emissions during
operation, significantly reducing our carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels.

Recent years have seen a marked decrease in the cost of solar panel technology,
making solar installations increasingly affordable and feasible. With a typical lifespan
of 25 to 30 years, solar panels are a long-term investment that delivers both

environmental and economic benefits.

Integrating on-grid solar energy systems in national and local government
buildings presents an immediate and practical step toward climate resilience. Doing so
will not only reduce public sector carbon emissions but will also demonstrate leadership

in the country’s transition to clean energy.

In view of the urgent need to combat climate change and promote sustainable

energy solutions, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.



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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House prt no. 3126

Introduced by Representative JB 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 Act”

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;

¢.) 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 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

a


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.

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. Repeating Clause. - Ali 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,