Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

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EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 3944

Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE ERIC L. OLIVAREZ

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Pollution and the ever-increasing scarcity of non-renewable
energy sources like coal, oil and gas have been a major
environmental problem all throughout these years not only of our
country, but of the whole world. The heavy consumption of these
resources by people today poses a threat to our next generation
such that in the not so far future, the latter may not be able to
live in a safe, clean and rich environment anymore.

It is the mandate of the State to ensure that its people shall
continuously enjoy its natural resources. In connection with this,
the State is duty-bound to resort to actions and solutions that
aim to save and efficiently utilize what is left of our nature.

Article Il, Section 16 of the 1987 Constitution provides
that “the State shall protect and advance the right of the people to
@ balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and
harmony of nature”. In line with this policy, this bill seeks to
utilize solar power to generate electricity and/or thermal energy
in order to preserve a balanced ecology.

Solar power is the conversion of solar energy - or in other
words, energy from the sun - to usable electricity. Although this
Step is perceived to be a costly endeavor, the long-tern benefits of


it far outweighs the expenses the State will have to incur. Solar
energy is a renewable resource which makes the same
sustainable for energy consumption. Otherwise stated, until and
unless the sun dies - if that is even a possibility — solar energy is
limitless and will always be available to us. On the other hand,
non-renewable resource can only be used once as it does not
replace itself in the short term and there is only a finite quantity
available. Another advantage is that solar energy has almost no
impact on the global climate, while electricity generated by power
Plants which our country makes use of in the present time,
Produces carbon dioxide emissions that is detrimental to the
environment.

By utilizing solar energy, our country will be able to
Preserve the non-renewable energy sources and leave some for
our future generation, In this way, we will be able to meet our
Present needs without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their needs. Moreover, we will be able to
lessen pollution that damages our natural environment and that
leads to global warming,

It is only for this reason that the approval of this bill is
being sought.

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ERIC L. OLIVAREZ


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3944

House Bill No.

Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE ERIC L. OLIVAREZ

AN ACT MANDATING GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND/OR
ESTABLISHMENTS TO ALLOT AT LEAST THIRTY PERCENT

ENERGY, AND COROLLARILY, MANDATING THE SAME TO
INSTALL SOLAR PANELS UNTO THEIR BUILDINGS.

Section 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the
Solar Energy Act of 2019.

Section 2, Definition of Terms. The following terms shall
have the following definitions, as used in this Act, to wit:

Solar Energy - The energy the Earth
receives from the sun, primarily as visible light
and other forms of electromagnetic radiation.

Solar Panel - a panel designed to absorb
the sun's rays as a source of energy for
generating electricity or heating,

Section 3. Coverage. This Act shall cover all government
departments and its attached agencies and offices including


government owned and controlled corporations and local
government units in the Philippines.

Section 4. Solar Energy for Electricity and/or Thermal
Energy Requirements. Government offices and government-
owned establishments shall utilize solar energy for at least thirty
Percent (30%) of their electricity and/or thermal energy
requirements/consumptions in their day-to-day operations.

Section 5. Installation of Solar Panels. The government
departments, offices and establishments covered by this Act shall
install solar panels unto their buildings for the efficient
conversion of solar energy into the electricity that they need.

Section 6. Period to Install Solar Panels. The offices and
establishment covered by this Act must, within six (6) months
from the effectivity of this Act comply with the requirements set
forth hereto.

Section 7, Implementing Rules and Regulations. The
Department of Energy in coordination with the Department of
Interior and Local Government shall promulgate the
Implementing Rules and Regulations to carry out the provisions
of this Act. Such rules and regulations shall take effect upon
their publication in three (3) newspapers of general circulation.

Section 8. Repealing Clause.-— All laws, presidential
decrees, letters of instructions, executive orders, rules and
regulations insofar as they are inconsistent with this Act, are
hereby repealed or amended as the case may be.

Section 9. Separability Clause.- In the event that any
Provision of this Act or any portion thereof is declared
unconstitutional by a competent court, the other provisions shall
not be affected thereby and shall remain valid and enforceable.


Section 10. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect

after its complete publication in at least three (3) newspapers of
general circulation.

APPROVED.