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Republic of the Philippines //2 RECEIVED A
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
‘Quezon City = pATEAugust 2, 2021 wp
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. __ 9915

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE MANUEL ANTONIO F. ZUBIRI

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The State has a duty to provide all the basic necessities required in this modern age. As
such, access to illumination is of paramount importance since various activities especially
for growth like studying is done during the night.

However, with most of our brothers and sisters experiencing severe poverty especially in
this time of the pandemic, they cannot afford to pay their electricity bills. For some in the
provinces, there are no provision for electricity at all. But technology has improved in the
last century to at least make life illuminated when in the dark. And not taking advantage of
this technological breakthroughs is a sin especially if it means helping our citizens get
access to such available technology through these times.

Being in the dark hampers growth. It disconnects people from an otherwise productive
evening. For working students or children taking on other roles to help their respective
families get by, being in the dark means not being able to read and work on through their
assignments even though they are enrolled through state-run free schools; despite having
access to free education. Parents on the other hand, are unable to prepare the needs of their
respective families for the next day. This means indigent household with no access to
sufficient lighting lose an easy five hours of their otherwise productive time before going
to bed.

It is for these reasons that this tation is advocating that available technology be
tapped, be made accessible, and be given to qualified indigent households by providing
them solar lights. Being able tf move, prepare and work at night boosts the productivity of
our citizens. And when our citizens’ growth is cultivated, the State takes one more step in
alleviating their condi

‘Thus, approvgf of this bif{ is earnestly sought.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO.__ 9915

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE MANUEL ANTONIO F. ZUBIRI

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR SOLAR LIGHTS TO INDIVIDUAL INDIGENT HOUSEHOLDS
AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

Section 1. Declaration of State Policy. — It is the declared policy of the State to push for a
cleaner energy for its citizens. Likewise, it is the duty of the state to provide sustainable
lighting to its citizens to ensure the future of the nation will not be studying in the dark thus
hampering their educational pursuits.

Section 2. Scope. — All indigent households who have no source of power or light during
the evening shall be covered by this Act.

Section 3. Provision of Solar Lights. — All qualified indigent households shall be entitled
to solar lights that will sufficiently light their homes not only during day time but most
especially during the night.

Section 4. Solar Lights Program of the Department of Energy. — For purposes of this Act,
the Department of Energy (DOE) is hereby mandated to provide solar lights to all indigent
households to ensure the citizens of the State access to sufficient lighting.

Section 5. Coordination with other Departments. - The DOE shall coordinate with the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DWSD) to determine the qualified
indigent households with no access to sufficient lighting who will be the beneficiaries of
this Act.

‘The DOE is likewise hereby mandated to coordinate with the Department of Science and
Technology (DOST) to determine the proper specifications and type of solar lights to be
distributed to qualified households. In coming up with the specifications of the solar lights,
proper consideration shall be given to factors such as number of persons in a household
and the area of the household requiring sufficient illumination at the least possible cost for
the government.

Section 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOE, DSWD and DOST shall issue
the necessary Implementing Rules and Regulations within fifteen (15) days from the
enactment of this Act.

Section 7. Appropriations. ~ The fund necessary to provide the aforesaid solar lights shall
be chargeable to the budget of the Department of Energy for the fiscal year covering the
enactment of this Act. Provided, That, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
shall include in its budget proposal for the succeeding fiscal years the amount needed to
carry out the provisions of this Act.

Section 8. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act shall be held unconstitutional
or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.


Section 9. Repealing Clause. — All law, executive orders, rules and regulations inconsistent
with or contrary to this Act are hereby deemed accordingly repealed or amended.

Section 10. Effectivity Clause. ~ This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days from
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,