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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No._ 2804

Introduced by REP. FERDINAND ALEXANDER A. MARCOS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In 2020, the Philippines was reported to have sourced 55% of its power
from coal-fired power plants, while natural gas-fired power plants contributed
21%, and oil-based power plants brought in 4%. On the other hand, renewable
energy sources which include solar, hydro, wind, and geothermal generate
around 20% of the country’s power supply.

It bears emphasis that fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, are
finite and non-renewable energy resources, having formed over geological
epochs from the remains of ancient flora and fauna. Upon combustion, these
release significant amount of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, thereby
exacerbating and contributing to climate change. Conversely, renewable energy
sources are naturally replenishing and do not diminish over time. As such, they
are more sustainable and environmentally advantageous. To ensure the long-term
sustainability of the country's economic development, it is imperative to intensify
efforts in harnessing and advancing renewable energy sources. This is critical in
mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and essential in addressing the
escalating costs and finite nature of fossil-based energy resources.

This legislative measure seeks to reduce government  clectricity
expenditures by mandating the development and utilization of solar energy
systems in all government buildings and facilities. It is anchored upon the State’s
mandates to promote “a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the
prosperity and independence of the nation” (Article II, Section 9, 1987 Philippine
Constitution), and to “protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced
and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature” (Article
Il, Section 16).

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is respectfully
and earnestly sought

FERDINAND ALEXANDER A. MARCOS


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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bil! No;_ 2804

Introduced by REP. FERDINAND ALEXANDER A. MARCOS

AN ACT
REDUCING THE COST OF ELECTRICITY FOR NATIONAL
GOVERNMENT OFFICES BY PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT AND
UTILIZATION OF SOLAR ENERGY IN ALL GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS
AND OFFICES, 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 and referred to as the
“Solar Energy in National Government Offices Act”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policies. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State:

a) To mandate the development and utilization of renewable energy resources
in government buildings and offices;

b) To establish the infrastructure and mechanisms to ensure efficient, cost-
effective and sustainable supply of power from solar energy systems; and

©) To ensure energy-sufficiency of government agencies for the prompt and
unhampered delivery of services to its constituents.

SEC. 3. Coverage. ~ This Act shall provide a framework for the establishment
of solar energy systems in all national government buildings and offices.

SEC. 4. Establishment of Solar Energy Systems in National Government
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 the construction of solar energy systems in and retrofit their
respective buildings and offices upon the effectivity of this Act.


Solar energy systems shall refer to energy systems which convert solar energy
into thermal or electrical energy.

SEC. 5. General Guidelines. ~ For purposes of this Act, the following are the
general guidelines for solar energy systems in national government buildings and
offices:

a) Establishment and construction shall immediately commence to supply
power to government buildings and offices;

b) The Department of Finance shall apply the appropriate provisions of
Chapter VII General Incentives of Republic Act No. 9513, or the Renewable
Energy Act of 2008, to the renewable energy systems to be established and
constructed for government agencies; and

c) Government agencies shall enjoy the privileges granted to qualified end-
users as certified by the DOE-Renewable Energy Management Bureau, as
provided for in Sections 10 and 12 of R. A. No. 9513.

SEC. 6. Minimum Standard. — The solar energy systems to be established
shall initially supply at least ten per cent (10%) of the electric power requirements of
the government agencies in their respective buildings or offices for the first year after
the effectivity of this Act: Provided, That solar energy utilization shall be increased
annually for five (5) years at which time the established solar systems are expected to
have the capacity to supply fifty percent (50%) of the power requirements of
government agencies: Provided, further, That nothing in this Act shall preclude the
expansion of existing solar energy systems installed in government buildings and
offices.

SEC. 7. Funding. — The amount necessary for the immediate implementation
of this Agt shall be charged against any available funds of the government agencies
covered in this Act. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary to implement this Act
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~ The Secretary of Energy, in
consultation with the Secretary of Public Works and Highways, shall issue the
implementing rules and regulations necessary for the effective implementation of this
‘Act within thirty (30) days upon the approval thereof. Such rules and regulations
shall take effect after they have been issued and shall be published in at least two (2)
newspapers of general circulation.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. - Any portion or provision of this Act that may
be declared unconstitutional or invalid shall not have the effect of nullifying other
portions or provisions thereof, as long as such remaining portions or provisions can
still subsist and be given effect in their entirety.


SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders,
proclamations, administrative issuances and rules and regulations or parts thereof
inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its

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

Approved,