Republic of the Phi
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

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= TIME 9:04am

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

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HOUSE BILL No. 10533

Introduced by: REP. SALVADOR A. PLEYTO, SR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Street lights play a crucial role in enhancing public safety, contributing significantly to
the well-being and security of communities around the nation. Well-lit streets and public spaces
are known to deter criminal activities, as they increase the likelihood of offenders being seen
and identified. Studies have consistently shown that areas with adequate lighting experience
lower rates of crime compared to poorly lit areas.

Road safety is another area where street lights make a significant impact. Poor lighting
conditions contribute to accidents by reducing visibility for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Street lights improve visibility on roadways and pedestrian paths. This visibility is crucial for
preventing accidents.

Traditional street lights however entail the use of electricity sourced from the power
grid of electric utility providers. This means that a huge amount of carbon emission is present
to power up all streetlights in the country, and that carbon emission drastically contribute to
global warming.

The application of solar street lighting has been on the rise, driven by advances in
renewable energy technology and a growing awareness of environmental sustainability,
Moreover, in the event of emergencies or natural disasters, solar street lights can be invaluable,

‘Traditional power grids may be compromised during such events, leaving areas in
darkness and hampering rescue and recovery efforts. Solar street lights, with their independent
power sources, can continue to operate even when the grid is down, providing essential lighting
for emergency responders and aiding in the efficient execution of rescue operations. This
resilience makes solar street lights a key asset in disaster-prone areas, contributing to quicker
response times and potentially saving lives.

Solar street lights offer a number of advantages, including cost-effectiveness,
reliability, and ease of installation. However, they also have some disadvantages, such as being
weather dependent, having limited brightness, and requiring some maintenance. Despite these
drawbacks, solar street lights continue to be a popular choice for many communities and
businesses, as they provide a clean, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional
street lighting.

EZ DATE June 18, 2024 q

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This proposed measure seeks to mandate the use of renewable energy in illuminating
all the streets and highways nationwide, through the installation of solar street lights in lieu of
the traditional electric powered street lights.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate consideration and approval of this measure is
earnestly sought.

. PLEYTO, SR.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 10533,

Introduced by: REP. SALVADOR A. PLEYTO, SR.

AN ACT MANDATING THE INSTALLATION AND USE OF SOLAR
STREETLIGHTS NATIONWIDE, 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 L. Short Title. ~ This Act shall be known as the “Solar Street Lights Act
of 2024."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. -

hereby declared the policy of the State to:

a) Accelerate the exploration and development of renewable energy resources
such as, but not limited to, biomass, solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and
‘ocean energy sources, including hybrid systems, to achieve energy self
reliance to reduce the country's dependence on fossil fuels and thereby
minimize the country's exposure to price fluctuations which affects the
‘economy;

b) All citizens of the State shall benefit from the renewable energy program of

the government.

SEC. 3. Scope ~All national, provincial, municipal, city, and barangay roads and streets
shall use solar street lights to illuminate the night through whi citizens traverse.

SEC. 4. Role of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) ~ ‘The DOST shall
coordinate with other departments of the government and thereafter conduct a study as to how
many solar street lights will be needed to be installed in the entire country. It shall provide the
necessary information or specifications as to how much wattage, battery capacity, number of
solar panels needed, and distance between each solar street light to standardize the same and
ensure light is delivered on certain type and width of road or street.


The DOST shall likewise provide a priority list of barangays, municipalities, cities, and
provinces that will benefit from the provisions of this Act. The list shall be based on a
reasonable criterion taking into consideration the urgency of providing adequate street light
supply and the population of the place.

SEC. 5. Role of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) ~The DPWH
shall carry out the programming, planning, construction and maintenance of the solar street
lights in every provincial, municipal, city, and barangay roads covered by this Act.

SEC. 6. Sourcing — In the purchase of solar street lights for installation and use, local
businesses shall be given priority in supplying the government. A higher priority shall be given
to local manufacturers of solar street lights.

SEC. 7. Appropriation ~The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall
be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations, — Within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the Department of Public Works and Highways, in consultation with the
DOST, shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations for the effective
implementation of the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause -If any provision of this Act is held unconstitutional, other
provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and binding.

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. — All other laws, decrees, executive orders, issuances,
rules and regulations, or part thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby likewise repealed or
amended accordingly.

~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following the
the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general
circulation

Approved,