Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bilt no.__2901

Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE ARNULF BRYAN “ARNIE” B. FUENTEBELLA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The State shall always ensure a quality, reliability, security and affordable supply of
electric power in the country for the recovery, development and sustainability of the economy and
ultimately for the protection of public interest.

The Philippines’ energy sector continues to be driven by its large population and rapidly
growing economy. Primary energy supply comprises indigenous energy sources followed by net
imported oil and coal. However, the self-sufficiency ratio remains at 50%, showing gaps in the
country's ability to fulfil its energy needs despite the passage of the Republic Act No. 9136,
otherwise known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.

itis then high time to revisit the EPIRA law to fill the gaps in the power energy requirements
‘of the economy and of the consumers. The energy has become dynamic, with new players
entering the market, providing us with more options; hence, the necessity of strengthening our
regulatory functions. By granting them a modernized charter, we are empowering the ERC to
foster healthy competition, to prevent monopolies, and encourage innovation.

The Filipino consumer deserves transparency, accountability, and fair treatment, which
can only be done by giving the ERC a renewed charter to protect consumer rights, ensure
reasonable rates, and swifily address grievances.

The expansion and strengthening of the ERC is crucial in the performance of its regulatory
functions, in coordination with the policy-making mandate of the Department of Energy (DOE), to
cope with the rapid development and expansion of the energy sector vis-a-vis the
abovementioned State Policy. As the stalwart guardian of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act,
(EPIRA), a commitment to the betterment of the ERC is a commitment to the future of energy.

| filed this bill in the 19" Congress and am eager to push the agenda this 20" Congress. In
view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is eamnestly sought.

ARNULF{BRYDAI “ARNIE” B. FUENTEBELLA
Representative
farth District, Camarines Sur


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2901

Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE ARNULF BRYAN “ARNIE” B. FUENTEBELLA

AN ACT TO REFORM AND RESTRUCTURE
THE ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

CHAPTER!
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the “ERC Reform Act of 2025”.

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the significant role of the Energy
Regulatory Commission (ERC) in ensuring transparent and reasonable prices of electricity in a
regime of free and fair competition and full public accountability to achieve greater operational
and economic efficiency. Likewise, public interest demands the protection of consumers as they
are affected by the rates and services of generation companies, electric utilities, and other electric
power stakeholders. Towards this end, the State shall:

a) Establish a strong, independent, transparent, and accountable regulatory body; and
b) Institutionalize a system to ensure the efficient and effective performance of the functions
and mandates of the regulatory body to enhance competitiveness in the electric power
industry.
Sec. 3. Scope. - This Act shall enhance the existing powers, duties, functions, and
governance mechanisms of the ERC to foster independence, transparency, and accountability.

Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following words or terms shall have
the following meaning, unless provided otherwise:

a) “Commission” refers to the decision-making body of the ERC under Republic Act No.
9136, otherwise known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, composed of
‘one (1) Chairperson and four (4) Commissioners;

b) “Consumer’ refers to all captive and contestable customers who buy electricity either from
a distribution utility, a retail electricity supplier, or a generation company;


¢) “Deliberation” refers to a communication between or among members of the Commission

in a meeting: Provided, That a quorum exists;

4) “Electric power industry participant’ refers to any person or entity engaged in the
generation, transmission, distribution, or supply of electricity;
“Key ERC personnel” refers to employees who hold executive or managerial positions in
the ERC;

f) “Meeting” refers to a deliberation of the Commission with respect to any case, issue, or
matter within its jurisdiction; and

“Public hearing" refers to an official proceeding of a government agency during which the
public is accorded the right to express its position on the subject matter at hand.

e)

9)

CHAPTER I
COMPOSITION OF THE COMMISSION

Sec. 5. The Commission. - The Commission shall be composed of a Chairperson and four
(4) members to be appointed by the President of the Philippines. The Chairperson and the
members of the Commission shall be natural-born citizens and residents of the Philippines,
persons of good moral character, at least thirty-five (35) years of age, and of recognized
competence in any of the following fields: energy, law, economics, finance, commerce, or
engineering, with at least ten (10) year actual and distinguished experience in their respective
fields of expertise: Provided, That out of the four (4) members of the Commission at least there
shall be one (1) member of the Philippine Bar with at least ten (10) years experience in the active
practice of law, and one (1) shall be a certified public accountant with at least ten (10) years
experience in active practice, and one (1) licensed engineer with at least ten (10) years experience
in active practice.

The Chairperson of the Commission shall act as the Chief Executive Officer of the

Commission.

The Chairman shall hold office for seven (7) years without reappointment. Commissioners
shall hold office for four (4) years and may be reappointed for only one term. Appointment to any
vacancy shall be only for the unexpired term of the predecessor. In no case shall any
Commissioner be appointed or designated in a temporary or acting capacity.

Members of the Commission shall enjoy security of tenure and shall not be suspended or
temoved from office except for just cause as specified by law.

Upon approval of this law, all positions in the ERC are deemed vacant, in preparation for
the new organizational structure, The officers and employees of the ERC, in a hold-over capacity
for a period of two (2) years, shall continue to perform their respective duties and responsibilities
and receive the corresponding salaries and benefits, unless said official or employee is
terminated, in accordance with applicable law.

The ERC shall submit to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) the proposed
organizational restructuring provided herein within three (3) months from the effectivity of this Act.


The DBM shall approve the submitted proposed organizational restructuring within one (1)
month from its receipt.

Every after five (5) years from the effectivity of this act, the ERC shall reassess its then
organizational structure to determine if there is a need for further restructuring or reorganization,

which may include additional services, diy
any proposed organizational restructuring within one (1) month from its receipt thereof.

ions or personnel per division. The DBM shall approve

The Commission shall conduct an assessment of the fitness of the skills and capabilities
of existing personnel on the basis of the results of such assessment, the Commission may
implement such movement in personnel to establish the new organizational structure, in
accordance with applicable laws, aligned with such personnel’s capacity and performance;
Provided, that the new position to which they were transferred to will be of the same rank and
salary from its previous position without the necessity of reappointment. Affected employees may
opt for voluntary separation from service within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act and
shall be entitled to receive separation and early retirement benefits and other benefits under
applicable laws and issuances within ninety (90) days from the date of effectivity of their
separation

Sec. 6. Requirements. - The members of the Commission shall, upon assumption of office:

a) Publicly disclose any employment, consultancy, or any connection with, and any
pecuniary interest in an electric power industry participant;

b) Publicly disclose if his or her spouse, partner, and any relative by consanguinity or affinity
within the fourth civil degree is employed or has a consultancy or any connection with,
or has any pecuniary interest in an electric power industry participant;

¢) Divest through sale or legal disposition any and all interests in an electric power industry
participant; and

d) Terminate employment or consultancy with any electric power industry participant.

Sec. 7. Prohibited Acts. — The members of the Commission, within the duration of their

term, are prohibited from:

a) Taking up any employment or consultancy arrangement with any electric power industry
participant;

b) Holding any connection to and any pecuniary interest in an electric power industry
participant;

c) Holding any other office or employment; and

d) Directly or indirectly practicing any profession, participating in any business, or be
financially interested in any contract with, or any franchise, or special privileges granted
by the government or any subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, including
government owned and controlled corporations or their subsidiaries.

After completion of term with the ERC, the Chairperson and members of the Commission
shall be prohibited from accepting employment or appointment in any capacity with any regulated


entity for a period of five (5) years following such completion. All members and employees of the
commission shall be prohibited from appearing before the ERC for a period of three (3) years
after said completion of term or termination of employment.

Any spouse, partner, and relative by consanguinity or affinity within the fourth civil degree of
the members of the Commission are prohibited from:

a) Taking up any employment or consultancy arrangement with an electric power industry
participant during the incumbency of the member of the Commission to whom the
spouse, partner, and relative concemed is related to;

b) Holding any connection to and pecuniary interest in any electric power industry
participant during the incumbency of the member of the Commission to whom the
spouse, partner, and relative concerned is related to;

©) Appearing as counsel or agent on any matter pending before the Commission or
transacting business directly or indirectly therein during the incumbency of the member
of the Commission to whom the spouse, partner, and relative concerned is related to,
and within two (2) years from cessation of their service.

Sec. 8. Duties and Responsibilities of the Chief Executive Officer. - The Chairperson of the
Commission, acting as the Chief Executive Officer, shall have the following powers, functions and
duties:

a) To execute, administer and implement the policies and measures approved and adopted
by the Commission;

b) To directly administer and supervise the operations and day-to-day business activities of
the Commission;

c) To represent the Commission in ail dealings with offices, agencies and instrumentalities
of the government and with all persons and entities, public or private, domestic or foreign,
unless otherwise directed by the Commission;

d) To execute, on behalf of the Commission, all contracts, agreements and other
instruments affecting the interests of the ERC duly approved by the Commission;

e) To direct and supervise the preparation of the agenda for the meetings of the
Commission;

f) To preside at the meetings of the Commission; and

4) To exercise such other powers, functions and duties as may be assigned to him or her
by the Commission.

‘Sec. 9. Duties and Responsibilities of the Members of the Commission. - \n addition to the
functions enumerated in Republic Act. No. 9136, the members of the Commission shall:

a) Regularly attend and actively participate in the meetings of the Commission where any
case, issue, or matter within its jurisdiction is under consideration;


b) Recommend to the Chairperson the inclusion in the agenda of any case, issue, or matter
deemed appropriate in the performance of the Commission's functions;

¢) Be properly informed about and thoroughly analyze cases, issues, and matters pending
before the Commission;

d) Take part in continuous education and capacity building programs of the Commission to
enhance technical competence;

e) Abstain from acts which unduly influence, impede, or hamper the Executive Director or
any ERC employee from effectively fulfiling his or her duties and responsibilities;

f) Appoint the Executive Director of the ERC: Provided, That the requirements,
qualifications, and duties and responsibilities stated in Sections 10 and 11 of this Act are
complied with;

9) Acton the selection and appointment of Key ERC Personnel: Provided That the selection
process for Key ERC Personnel must be in accordance with ERC’s Enhanced Merit
Selection Plan and /or other plans related to personnel selection duly approved by the
Commission;

h) Review and act on the endorsement of the proposed ERC budget: Provided, That such
endorsement must come from the Executive Director and must be substantiated with
supporting documents;

i) Initiate, motu proprio or upon formal complaint, investigations against the Executive
Director and act upon these investigations: Provided, That such investigation is without
prejudice to the filing of administrative or criminal cases against the Executive Director,
and

) Perform in good faith and to the best of its ability the functions stated in Republic Act.
No, 9136 and the duties and responsibilities specified in this Act.

CHAPTER III
ERC OPERATIONS

Sec. 10. The Executive Director. - The Commission, acting collectively, shall appoint an

Executive Director who shall act as the Chief Executive Officer of ERC until resignation,
retirement, or unless terminated earlier for cause. The Executive Director who shall be a CESO
of the ERC, shall have relevant experience in any of the fields of law, economics, commerce,

management, finance, or engineering for at least ten (10) years, and shall be subject to the same
requirements and prohibitions as indicated in Sections 7 and 8 of this Act.

When an Executive Director who has rendered at least ten (10) years of service in such

capacity retires, such Executive Director shall receive retirement benefits equivalent to the last
salary plus representation and other allowances until the concerned Executive Director's death.

Sec. 11. Duties and Responsibilities of the Executive Director. - The duties and

responsibilities of the Executive Director shalll include but shalll not be limited to:

a) Developing and proposing, for the Commission's approval, the operationalization of the
strategies and policies agreed upon by the Commission;


b) Effectively executing the approved operationalization of the strategies and policies

agreed upon by the Commission;

Leading the management of the daily operations of ERC in accordance with the plans

and within the budget approved by the Commission;

Assuming full responsibilty for the overall supervision and control of ail divisions, units,

and services of the ERC;

Assigning to each division, unit, and service of the ERC such duties that are considered

necessary or expedient;

f) Coordinating the workings of the divisions, units, and services of the ERC;

9) Establishing @ mechanism for capacity building for all employees of the ERC to
continuously enhance technical competence: Provided, That such mechanism will based
on the principle of meritocracy;

h) Ensuring compliance with the ERC’s Enhanced Merit Selection Plan and other plans
related to personnel selection duly approved by the Commission when it comes to the

°)

d)

e)

hiring and promotion of employees;

i) Leading the management to ensure effective working relationships with the Commission

by regularly communicating with the Chairperson to review key developments, issues,

‘Opportunities, and concerns;

Ensuring that the management gives priority to providing documents and reports which

contain relevant, accurate, timely, and clear information necessary for the Commission

to fulfill its duties;

Maintaining regular dialogue with the Commission while ensuring that the Commission,

especially the Chairperson, is alerted to forthcoming complex, contentious, sensitive, or

strategic issues facing the ERC;

1) Advising the Commission on any matter referred to the Executive Director,

m) Managing the affairs of the ERC in accordance with good corporate governance
practices and procedures while promoting the highest standards of independence,
transparency, integrity, and probity;

n) Initiating investigations and recommending administrative sanctions against erring
employees, without prejudice to the filing of any criminal action against the concerned
employee;

©) Regularly submitting to the Commission updates on the operations of ERC; and

P) Performing such other duties as the Commission may assign

k)

All decisions of the Executive Director involving budgeting and disbursement of funds shall
be subject to the approval of the Commission.

CHAPTER IV
FUNCTIONS OF THE ERC


Sec. 12. Functions under Republic Act. No. 9136. - The existing functions provided for in
‘Section 43 of Republic Act No. 9136, otherwise known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act
of 2001, are hereby retained, and additional functions thereto are provided in the preceding
sections.

Sec. 13. Amendment of the Philippine Grid Code and the Philippine Distribution Code. -
Within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act, promulgate or amend, in coordination with
the Department of Energy (DOE), and enforce, in accordance with law, the Philippine Grid Code
and the Philippine Distribution Code which shall include, but not limited to the financial capability
standards for the generating companies, the National Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO),
distribution utilities and suppliers: Provided, further, that such standards are set to ensure that the,
electric power industry participants meet the minimum financial standards to protect the public
interest. determine, fix, and approve, after due notice and public hearings the universal charge,
to be imposed on all electricity end-users pursuant to Section 34 of Republic Act. No. 9136.

Sec. 14. Coordination with the Philippine Competition Commission. — In line with the ERC's
functions under Section 34 of Republic Act. No. 9136 to promote competition, encourage market
development, ensure customer choice and penalize abuse of market power, the ERC shall
coordinate with the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) on the following:

(a) Endorse for investigation to the PCC any acts of abuse of market power, cartelization,
and anti-competitive or discriminatory behavior by any electric power industry
participant. Should the PCC find that an electric power industry participant committed
acts of abuse of market power, cartelization, and anti-competitive or discriminatory
behavior, the ERC shall impose the fines and penalties provided for under this Act;

(b) Inspect, on its own, through duly authorized representatives, or through the PCC, the
premises, books of accounts and records of any person or entity at any time, in the
exercise of its quasi-judicial power for purposes of determining the existence of any
anticompetitive behavior and/or market power abuse and any violation of rules and
regulations issued by the ERC; and

(©) The PCC shall investigate any possible violation or non-compliance of this Section 45
of Republic Act. No. 9136. Based on the findings and recommendations of the PCC, the
ERC shall determine whether such violation or non-compliance was committed and
impose the corresponding fines and penatties.

For purposes of Section 45 of Republic Act. No. 9136 and this Act, control refers to the
ability to substantially influence or direct the actions or decisions of an entity, whether by contract,
agency or otherwise.

In determining the control of an entity, the Commission may consider the following: contro!
is presumed to exist when the parent owns directly or indirectly, through subsidiaries, more than
‘one half (1/2) of the voting power of an entity, unless in exceptional circumstances, it can clearly
be demonstrated that such ownership does not constitute control. Control also exists even when
an entity owns one half (1/2) or less of the voting power of another entity when: (a) there is power


‘over more than one half (1/2) of the voting rights by virtue of an agreement with investors; (b)
there is power to direct or govern the financial and operating policies of the entity under a statute
or agreement; (c) there is power to appoint or remove the majority of the members of the board
of directors or equivalent governing body; (d) there is power to cast the majority votes at meetings
of the board of directors or equivalent governing body; (e) there exists ownership over or the right
to use all ora significant part of the assets of the entity; or (f) there exist rights or contracts which
confer decisive influence on the decisions of the entity.

CHAPTER V
BUDGET OF THE ERC

Sec. 15. Budget of the ERC. - The ERC shall enjoy limited fiscal autonomy, subject to regular
audits by the Commission on Audit. For this purpose, the ERC shall be allowed to retain fifty
Percentum (50%) of its collections from fees to use for its budgetary requirements, including
training and capital outlays. The annual budget certified by the ERC, through its Chairperson, as
necessary to defray its expenses shall be provided for in the regular or special appropriations and
shall be released automatically and regularly.

CHAPTER VI
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS FOR ERC PERSONNEL

Sec. 16, Enhancement of Technical Competence. - The ERC shall establish rigorous training
programs for its staff for the purpose of enhancing the technical competence of the ERC in the
following areas: evaluation of technical performance and monitor compliance with service and
performance standards, performance-based rate-setting reform, environmental standards and
such other areas as will enable the ERC to adequately perform its duties and functions. For this
purpose, at least eight percent (8%) of the annual budget of the ERC shall be allocated for the
funding of training programs.

Sec. 17. Early Retirement Program. - The ERC shall establish an Early Retirement Program
for qualified ERC personnel who have reached the age of fifty-six (56) years old with at least
fifteen (15) years of creditable government service as of the date of application. Qualified
personnel shall be given the option to avail themselves of any of the following, whichever is
beneficial to them:

(a) Retirement gratuity provided under Republic Act No. 1616 (An Act Further Amending
Section Twelve Of Commonwealth Act Numbered One Hundred Eighty-Six, As Amended, By
Prescribing Two Other Modes Of Retirement And For Other Purposes), as amended, payable by
the last employer of the affected personnel, plus the refund of retirement premiums payable by
the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), without the incentive herein provided.

(b) Retirement benefit under Republic Act No. 660 (An Act To Amend Commonwealth Act
Numbered One Hundred And Eighty-Six, Entitled “An Act To Create And Establish A Government
Service Insurance System, To Provide For Its Administration, And To Appropriate The Necessary
Funds Therefor," And To Provide Retirement Insurance And For Other Purposes) or applicable
retirement, separation or unemployment benefit provided under Republic Act No. 8291 (An Act


Amending Presidential Decree No. 1146, As Amended, Expanding And Increasing The Coverage
‘And Benefits Of The Government Service insurance System, instituting Reforms Therein And For
Other Purposes) if qualified, plus the following applicable incentives:

(b.1.) 1/2 month of the present basic salary for every year of government
service and a fraction thereof, for those who have rendered twenty (20)
years of service and below;

(b.2.) 3/4 month of the present basic salary for every year of government
service and a fraction thereof, computed starting from the 1* year, for
those who have rendered twenty-one (21) to less than thirty-one (31) years
of service; and

(b.3.) 1 month of the present basic salary for every year of government
service and a fraction thereof, computed starting from the 1% year, for
those who have rendered thirty-one (31) years of service and above.

In addition, the affected personnel shall be entitled to the refund of Pag-IBIG contributions,
and the commutation of unused vacation and sick leave credits,

CHAPTER Vii
CONSUMER REPRESENTATION

Sec. 18. Promotion of Consumer Interests. - The ERC shall handle consumer complaints
and ensure the adequate promotion of consumer interests. In cases involving the fixing rates and
tariffs of transmission, and distribution retail wheeling charges and tariffs of franchise electric
utilities and all electric power rates, a vote of three (3) members shall be required.

The ERC shall establish procedures for determining legitimate representation of consumer
organizations and the conduct of forum, where consumers can express their concems on policies
and regulations outside the formal rule-making processes.

The ERC shall also exert efforts to inform consumers of pending proceedings where their
participation is important.

Sec. 19. Public Offering Requirement. - The ERC shall perform such other regulatory
functions as are appropriate in order to ensure the successful restructuring and modernization of
the electric power industry, such as, but not limited to, the rules and guidelines under which
generation companies, distribution utilities which are not publicly listed shall offer and sell to the
Public a portion not less than fifteen percent (15%) of their common shares of stocks: Provided,
however, that generation companies, distribution utilities or their respective holding companies
that are already listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange are deemed in compliance. For existing
companies, such public offering shall be implemented not later than five (5) years from the
effectivity of this act. New companies shall implement their respective public offerings not later
than five (5) years from the issuance of their certificate of compliance.


Sec. 20. Jurisdiction. - The ERC shall have the original and exclusive jurisdiction over all
cases contesting rates, fees, fines and penalties imposed by the ERC in the exercise of the
functions under Section 34 of Republic Act. No. 9136, as well as in the function of the
abovementioned powers, functions and responsibilities, and over all cases involving disputes
between and among participants or players in the energy sector.

All notices of hearings to be conducted by the ERC for the purpose of fixing rates or fees shall
be published twice for two successive weeks in two (2) newspapers of nationwide circulation in
at least one (1) newspaper of general circulation, and/or post electronically

CHAPTER Vill
FINES AND PENALTIES

Sec, 21. Fines and Penaities. - The following fines and penalties shall be imposed by the
ERC for any violation of or non-compliance with Republic Act. No. 9136, its IRR, or this Act:

(a) By any juridical entities engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and supply
of electricity, the fine shall range from a minimum of Five Hundred Thousand Pesos
(P500,000.00) to a maximum of Five Hundred Million Pesos (P500,000,000.00).

The Commission may order the regulated entities to apply penalties imposed for violation
of Republic Act. No. 9136, its IRR, or this Act as a reduction of its rates to benefit its end-

users.

(b) By any person, a fine of not less than Fifty Thousand Pesos (50,000.00) but not more
than Fifty Million Pesos (P50,000,000.00), or by imprisonment of not lower than six (6)
years and one (1) day and not higher than twelve (12) years, or both, at the discretion of
the court.

‘When the entities involved are juridical persons, the penalty of imprisonment shall be
imposed on its officers, directors, or employees holding managerial positions, who are
knowingly and willfully responsible for such violation

Civil and criminal actions and proceedings instituted on behalf of the government under
the authority of this Act or other laws enforced by the ERC shall be brought in the name
of the Government of the Philippines and shall be prosecuted and handled by the ERC
with the assistance of the Department of Justice (DOJ): Provided, that the determination
of the existence of probable cause and the subsequent filing of any criminal or civil case
with the proper court against violators of this act shall exclusively belong to the DOJ:
Provided, however, that no civil or criminal action for the recovery of duties or the
enforcement of any fine, penalty or forfeiture under this act shall be filed in court without
the approval of the Commission.


The fines and penalties may be adjusted to its present value every five (5) years using the
Consumer Price Index (CP!) as published by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

CHAPTER IX
GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 22. Transitory Provision. - The current Chairperson and members of the Commission shall
continue to serve in such capacity until the completion of their term.

The qualifications, requirements, and prohibitions stated in this Act shall apply to new
Chairperson and members of the Commission

The current Executive Director shall assume the duties and responsibilities laid out in Section
13 of this Act upon the effectivity of this Act: Provided, That upon such assumption, the current
Executive Director shail immediately comply with the requirements and prohibitions stated in this
Act: Provided further, That the current Executive Director shell serve as such until his or her
resignation, retirement or termination for cause.

Sec. 23. Oversight Committee. - Upon the effectivity of this Act, the Joint Congressional
Energy Commission established under Republic Act No. 9136 and renamed under Republic Act
No. 11285, otherwise known as the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, shall exercise
‘oversight powers over the implementation of this Act.

Sec. 24. Separability Clause. - if for any reason, any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall
continue to be in full force and in effect.

Sec. 25. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof
which are inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, am ended
or modified accordingly.

Sec. 26. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOE and ERC ‘shall, in consultation
with relevant government agencies and all stakeholders, promulgate the Implementing Rules and

Regulation (IRR) of the Act within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act.

Sec. 27. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation

Approved