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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. 920 
Introduced by Hon. Bernadette S. Barbers 
AN ACT 
PROMOTING THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF DEUTERIUM AS A 
POTENTIAL SOURCE OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY, CREATING FOR THE 
PURPOSE THE PHILIPPINE DEUTERIUM RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
AUTHORITY, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The increasing cost of conventional energy and its adverse impact on the 
environment and climate have become urgent concerns globally. The continued 
dependence on fossil fuels as the main energy source exacerbates global warming 
through excessive carbon emissions, threatening ecosystems and the well-being of 
future generations. 
To address these challenges, it is imperative to explore and invest in alternative 
energy sources that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. One such promising 
alternative is clean hydrogen, specifically deuterium, a naturally occurring isotope of 
hydrogen found in water. 
Deuterium, widely known as a fuel for nuclear fusion reactions, holds significant 
potential to revolutionize the energy landscape. It is a clean energy source that 
produces no harmful carbon emissions, with its byproducts limited to water vapor or 
steam. Deuterium can also serve as a replacement for traditional fuels such as 
gasoline, LPG, and aviation fuel, offering a versatile and sustainable solution for 
powering internal combustion engines. 
The Philippines is uniquely positioned to lead the global pursuit of this energy 
breakthrough. Some members of the scientific community have identified the 
Philippine Trench, also known as the Mindanao Deep, located off the coast of Surigao 
del Norte, as having the largest deuterium deposits in the world. Harnessing this 
resource could not only address the country’s energy needs but also establish the 
Philippines as a global leader in the production and export of clean hydrogen fuel. 
This bill seeks to promote the research and development of deuterium as a 
potential alternative energy source to address the rising fuel and energy costs in the 
country. At the same time, it aims to mitigate the detrimental effects of fossil fuel 
consumption on the environment, contributing to global efforts to combat climate 
change. 
July 1, 2025
3:04 pm


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By establishing the Philippine Deuterium Research and Development Authority, 
the country can take proactive steps toward exploring this untapped resource, 
advancing clean energy technology, and ensuring a more sustainable and energy-
secure future. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
HON. BERNADETTE S. BARBERS 
 2nd District, Surigao del Norte 


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. 920 
Introduced by Hon. Bernadette S. Barbers 
AN ACT 
PROMOTING THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF DEUTERIUM AS A 
POTENTIAL SOURCE OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY, CREATING FOR THE 
PURPOSE THE PHILIPPINE DEUTERIUM RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
AUTHORITY, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled:  
CHAPTER I 
TITLE AND DECLARATION OF POLICY 
SECTION 1. Title. – This Act shall be known as "The Philippine Deuterium 
Research and Development Authority Act of 2025".  
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of the State 
to encourage the development and utilization of renewable energy sources to ensure 
energy security and sustainability. Towards this end, the government shall provide an 
avenue for the research and development of deuterium as a source of alternative 
energy as this chemical element has been considered as the “fuel of the future”. 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act, the following terms shall 
mean as follows:  
a. “Alternative Energy” refers to any amount of energy derived from non-
fossil fuel sources.
b. “Deuterium” refers to an isotope of hydrogen that has one proton and one
neutron in its nucleus and that has twice the mass of ordinary hydrogen. It
is commonly known as “heavy water” and is used as fuel for nuclear fusion
reactions.
c. “Hydrogen” refers to a non-metallic gaseous chemical element with
atomic number 1 that is the simplest and lightest of the elements. It is
considered as the most abundant chemical element in the universe. It has
three common isotopes, namely: protium, deuterium and tritium.
d. “Green Hydrogen” refers to the by-product of hydrogen production
through chemical process called electrolysis (electric current) using
renewable energy sources;


 
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e. “Alternative Fuel or Alternative Fuel System” refers to the use of 
materials, machinery, and/or equipment to generate power using non-
petroleum fuels. 
f. “Renewable Energy Sources” refers to those energy resources whose 
common characteristic is that they are non-depletable or naturally 
replenishable. These include solar energy, geothermal energy, wind 
energy, tidal energy, ocean thermal energy, hydropower and biomass etc. 
g. “Energy security” refers to the uninterrupted availability of energy sources 
at an affordable price. 
h. “Authority” refers to the Philippine Deuterium Research and Development 
Authority (PDRDA). 
i. “Board” refers to Board of Trustees of the PDRDA. 
 
CHAPTER II 
ORGANIZATION 
 
SEC. 4. The Philippine Deuterium Research and Development Authority. 
– There is hereby established a Philippine Deuterium Research and Development 
Authority, hereinafter referred to as the “Authority”, which shall be attached to the 
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for policy and program coordination. 
 
SEC. 5. Purposes and Functions. – The Authority shall exercise the following 
purposes and functions: 
 
a. To formulate and implement a comprehensive policy framework which shall 
be aimed at promoting the research and development of deuterium as a 
source of alternative energy in the country;  
b. To provide all necessary and appropriate support services in the 
implementation of the deuterium research policy including the facilitation of 
entry of foreign expertise and resources in order to accelerate the scientific 
information and technology transfer of local expertise on the research and 
development of deuterium-based power; 
c. To identify the specific geographical location in the country where large 
amount of deuterium deposit could be mined or extracted for purposes of 
research and development operations; 
d. To promote and encourage the production of green hydrogen or the 
production of deuterium using renewable energy sources; 
e. To institute appropriate measures to establish a monitoring and evaluation 
system for the deuterium research and development operation facilities that 
utilize public funds; 
f. To serve as the core network of foreign investments on the research and 
development of deuterium; 
g. To exercise control and supervision over the deuterium research and 
development operations that may be undertaken, under conditions to be 
determined by the Authority, by the departments, agencies, academe, 


 
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organizations or persons conducting research and development activities 
with government funding; 
h. To initiate and/or encourage inventions of machineries, equipment, vehicles 
and the like to be powered by alternative fuel system using deuterium; 
i. To develop and implement specific policies and procedures encouraging 
the participation of private sector, private individuals, non-governmental 
organizations, academe and other interested individuals; 
j. To perform such acts as may be necessary for the effective implementation 
of this Act. 
 
SEC. 6. Board of Trustees. – The administration of the Authority and the 
exercise of its powers are vested exclusively in its Board of Trustees which is 
composed of the following: 
 
a. Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, as chairperson; 
b. Secretary of the Department of Energy, as vice-chairperson; 
c. Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; 
d. President of the Philippine National Oil Company; 
e. President of the National Academy of Science and Technology; 
f. President of the National Research Council of the Philippines; 
g. President of the University of the Philippines (UP); 
h. Two (2) representatives from the UP science and technology department 
to be chosen by the UP President; 
i. Four (4) representatives from organizations of scientists and/or engineers 
engaged in research and development; 
j. Two (2) representatives from the private sector, as members. 
 
The representatives from the private sector and from organizations of scientists 
and engineers engaged in research and development shall be appointed by the 
President of the Philippines upon the recommendation by the Secretary of Science 
and Technology. They shall serve for a term of five (5) years without reappointment. 
 
In case of vacancy by reason of death, resignation, removal for cause of 
incapacity of the representatives from the private sector and from organizations of 
scientists and engineers, the successor shall hold office for the unexpired portion of 
the term. 
 
SEC. 7. Powers and Functions of the Board. – The Board of Trustees shall 
exercise the following powers and functions: 
 
a. To promulgate rules and regulations not contrary to law as may be 
necessary to carry out the purposes and functions of the Authority; 
 
b. To collect, receive and maintain funds from government appropriations and 
from donations, grants, gifts, bequests, loans from domestic and foreign 
sources, and to apply them for the promotion of its aims and purposes; 
 


 
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c. To own, manage and hold such real and personal property as shall be 
necessary for purposes of this Authority; 
 
d. To receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided for the support of 
the Authority in the manner it may determine to carry out the purposes and 
functions of the Authority; 
 
e. To receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal 
properties of all kinds and administer or dispose of the same when 
necessary for the benefit of the Authority, subject to limitations, directions 
and instructions of the donor, if any. 
 
Such donations are exempt from the donor’s tax and are considered as 
allowable deductions from the gross income in the computation of the 
income tax of the donor, in accordance with the provisions of the National 
Internal Revenue Code, as amended: Provided, That such donations shall 
not be disposed of, transferred or sold; 
 
f. To authorize the construction or repair of buildings, equipment and facilities, 
and the purchase and acquisition of real and personal properties, including 
necessary supplies, materials and equipment; 
 
g. To appoint, upon the recommendation of the Executive Director of the 
Authority, the officials and employees of the Authority in accordance with 
the staffing pattern approved by the Board of Trustees; 
 
h. To fix and adjust the salaries of officials and employees subject to the 
provisions of the Revised Compensation and Position Classification 
System, as amended, and other pertinent budget and compensation laws 
governing hours of service, and such other duties and conditions as it may 
deem proper, to grant them at its discretion, leaves of absence under 
regulations as it may promulgate, any provision of existing law to the 
contrary notwithstanding and to remove them for cause in accordance with 
the requirements of due process; 
 
i. To delegate any of its powers and duties to the Executive Director or other 
officials of the Authority as it may deem appropriate so as to expedite the 
administration of the affairs of the Authority; 
 
j. To develop consortia and other forms of linkages with LGUs, special 
economic zones, institutions and agencies, both public and private, local 
and foreign, in furtherance of the purposes and objectives of the Authority; 
 
k. To develop arrangements for institutional capability building with 
appropriate institutions and agencies, public or private, local or foreign, and 
appoint experts or specialists as consultants, or visiting or exchange 
researchers, as the case may be; and 
 
l. To establish policy guidelines and procedures for participative decision-
making and transparency within the Authority. 


 
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SEC. 8. Board Meetings; Quorum. – The Board of Trustees shall regularly 
convene at least once every quarter. The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees may 
call a special meeting whenever necessary: Provided, That members are notified in 
writing at least three (3) days prior to the special meeting. 
 
A majority of all members holding office constitutes quorum for board meetings. 
The members shall serve without compensation but they shall be reimbursed for 
necessary expenses incurred in their attendance of meetings of the Board of Trustees 
or in connection with their official business authorized by resolution of the Board of 
Trustees, subject to existing laws and regulations. 
 
SEC. 9. Executive Director of the Authority; Term of Office. – The Board of 
Trustees shall appoint an Executive Director who shall render full time service as the 
chief executive of the Authority. The Executive Director shall have a term of four (4) 
years and is eligible for reappointment for another term. 
 
In case of vacancy by reason of death, compulsory retirement, resignation, 
removal for cause or incapacity of the Executive Director to perform the functions of 
the office, the Board shall designate an officer-in-charge within sex (6) months from 
the date of vacancy, pending the appointment of a new Executive Director. In case of 
vacancy in the office of the Executive Director, the successor shall hold office only for 
the unexpired portion of the term. 
 
The salary of the Executive Director of the Authority is in accordance with the 
Revised Compensation and Position Classification System, as amended, and other 
pertinent budget and compensation laws. The salary of the Executive Director shall 
be equivalent to that being received by a Department Undersecretary. 
 
SEC. 10. Powers and Duties of the Executive Director. – The Executive 
Director of the Authority shall exercise the following powers and duties: 
 
a. Submit for the consideration of the Board of Trustees the policies and 
measures necessary to carry out the purpose and objectives of the 
Authority. 
 
b. To recommend, coordinate and administer the research and development 
programs of the Authority; 
 
c. To direct and supervise the operations and internal administration of the 
Authority, and to delegate administrative responsibilities in accordance with 
the rules and regulations of the Authority; 
 
d. To submit an annual report to the Board of Trustees setting forth the work 
of the Authority during the year, its financial operations and status, and a 
program and budget for the ensuing year; and 
 
e. To exercise such other powers and to discharge such other functions as 
may be vested in him by the Board of Trustees. 
 


 
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SEC. 11. Secretary. – The Board of Trustees shall appoint a Secretary, who 
shall serve as such for both Authority and the Board of Trustees, and the Secretary 
shall keep all records of the Board. 
 
CHAPTER III 
RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP 
 
 
SEC. 12. Research and Development Plan; Organizational and 
Administrative Structure. – Within one hundred twenty (120) days after the approval 
of this Act, the Authority shall accomplish the following: 
 
a) Submit to the President of the Philippines and to both Houses of Congress 
a five (5) year deuterium research and development plan, including its 
program budget; and  
 
b) Set up its organizational and administrative structure including the creation 
of various research and technical working groups and the appointment of its 
key officials and secretariat personnel in order to effectively accomplish the 
purposes and functions of the Authority. 
 
The Secretary of Science and Technology shall identify available government 
buildings which may be utilized by the Authority initially as its head office. The Authority 
is also allowed to utilize other idle or available government real property to fulfill its 
mandate. 
 
CHAPTER V 
GENERAL INCENTIVES 
 
SEC. 13. Incentives for Deuterium Research and Development 
Operations. – All deuterium research and development facilities, as duly certified by 
the Board, shall be entitled to the following privileges: 
 
a. Tax and Duty-free Importation of Machinery, Equipment and Materials. – 
Within the duration of the research and development operations, 
importation of machinery and equipment and materials and parts thereof, 
whether or not shipped with such machinery and equipment, shall not be 
subject to tariff duties and value-added tax: Provided, however, that the 
said machinery, equipment, materials and parts are: 
 
1. not manufactured domestically in reasonable quantity and quality; and 
2. directly and actually needed and shall be exclusively used for deuterium 
research and development facilities:  
 
Provided further, prior approval of the Board is obtained before the 
importation of such machinery, equipment and materials; and 
 
b. Real Estate Tax Exemption. – Any provision of existing Laws to the contrary 
notwithstanding, all lands, including easement, equipment, machinery, and 
other improvements actually and exclusively used for deuterium research 


 
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and development operation facilities shall be exempted from the payment 
of any real estate tax. 
 
CHAPTER VI 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
 
SEC. 14. Appropriations. – The amount of One Hundred Million Pesos 
(P100,000,000.00) for the initial operation of the Authority is hereby appropriated out 
of the funds in the National Treasury. Thereafter, such sum as may be necessary for 
the continued operation of the Authority is included in the annual General 
Appropriations Act. 
 
SEC. 15. Roles of Other Agencies and Institutions. – This Act mandates the 
following agencies and institutions to perform or carry out specific functions and 
responsibilities: 
 
a. The Board of Investments, in consultation with the Department of Science 
and Technology, shall include deuterium research and development 
operations in its annual Investment Priorities Plan to attract both domestic 
and foreign investors; and 
 
b. The Department of Finance and the Department of Budget and 
Management shall provide sufficient fund allocations for the full 
implementation of this Act.  
 
SEC. 16. Exemption from Republic Act No. 9184. – The provisions of 
Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform 
Act” shall not apply to the procurement for all items, supplies, materials and general 
support services, including consulting services, which may be needed by the Authority 
in the pursuit of deuterium research and development operations. 
 
For this purpose, the Board of Trustees shall certify such procurement whether 
in the nature of equipment, furniture, stationery, materials for construction, or personal 
property of any kind, including non-personal or contractual services, including the 
repair and maintenance of equipment and furniture, as well as trucking, hauling, and 
related analogous services. 
 
SEC. 17. Compliance with Environmental Regulations. – All deuterium 
research and development operations shall be conducted in accordance with existing 
environmental regulations as prescribed by the DOE and/or any other government 
agency. 
 
SEC. 18. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The Board of Trustees 
shall promulgate the rules and regulations necessary to implement the provision of 
this Act within sixty (60) days after its effectivity.  
 
CHAPTER VII 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
 


 
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SEC. 19. Separability Clause. – If any provision or part of this Act is declared 
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected by such 
declaration shall remain in full force and effect. 
 
SEC. 20. Repealing Clause. – All other laws, orders, issuances, rules and 
regulations or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are 
hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
 
SEC. 21. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,