Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

House Bill No.__ 8311

Introduced by Representative John Marvin “Yul Servo” C. Nieto

Explanatory Note

As a manifestation of support to this timely piece of legislation, this representation
respectfully refiles this measure, which has constantly been receiving support from the
past and present Congress.

Section 10 of Article XIV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that:

“Science and technology are essential for national development and progress.
The State shall give priority to research and development, invention, innovation,
and their utilization; and to science and technology education, training, and
services. It shall support indigenous, appropriate, and self-reliant scientific and
technological capabilities, and their application to the country’s productive
systems and national life.”

The State must recognize and affirm its vital role in leading and supervising the
exploration, utilization, and promotion of renewable source of energy. Such is crucial in
ensuring the long-term development of the country as this will eventually enable the
country to lessen its reliance on conventional and expensive means of electricity
generation (e.g. oil-based and coal-powered).

In line with this, the proposed measure aims to establish the Solar Energy
Development Center. The Solar Energy Development Center shall serve as the leading
institution concerned with the research on solar energy; the development of
technologies needed for the utilization of solar energy; the implementation of
government program on the allocation, distribution, and sale of solar energy; and the
Promotion of the use, research, and introduction of solar energy-related technologies
to the market.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought.
4

JOHN, IN YUL SERVO” NIETO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

8311

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative John Marvin “Yul Servo” C. Nieto

AN ACT CREATING THE SOLAR ENERGY DEVELOPMENT CENTER AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

Section 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Solar Energy Development
Center Act of 2018".

Section 2. Solar Energy Development Center. The Solar Energy Development
Center (hereinafter referred to as the "Center”) is hereby established, which shall be
attached to the Department of Energy for policy and program coordination.

Section 3. Purposes and Objectives. The Center shall have the following purposes
and objectives:
a. To scientifically research solar energy and existing technologies for its utilization
and development;
b. To conduct studies and develop methods on more accessible use of solar energy;
c. To implement the government program on the allocation, distribution, and sale
of solar energy;
d. To promote the use, research, and introduction to the market of technologies
utilizing solar energy; and
e. To perform such functions related to solar energy development that will redound
to the public.

Section 4. Board of Directors. The powers and functions of the Center shall be
vested in a Board of Trustees (hereinafter referred to as the Board’).

a. Composition. - The Board shall be composed of six (6) members who are
natural-born Filipino citizens, at least thirty (30) years of age, and must have
recognized competence in the fields of science and technology. The members are
as follows:

1. Chairperson appointed by the President of the Philippines;

2. Two (2) members appointed by the President of the Philippines; and

3. Secretary of the Department of Energy, Secretary of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR), and the Secretary of the Department of
Science and Technology (DOST) as ex-officio members.

b. Term. - The chairman and the two (2) members of the Board shall serve for a
term of four (4) years from the date of appointment.


Section 5. Powers and Duties of the Board of Directors. The Board shall have the
following specific powers:

a. To promulgate rules and regulations, not contrary to laws, which it considers
necessary for the effective discharge of its function;

b. To receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided for the support of the
Traffic Center in any manner it may determine, in its discretion, to carry out the
purposes and functions of the Center;

c. To receive in trust legacies, gifts, and donations of real and personal properties
of all kinds to administer and dispose of the same when necessary for the
benefit of the Center, subject to limitations, directions, and instructions of the
donor, if any. Such donations shall be exempt from the donor's tax and the
same shall be considered as allowable deductions from the gross income in the
computation of the income tax 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;

To establish a research center for the carrying out of its function; and
e. To exercise such incidental powers as may be necessary to carry out the
functions of the Center.

e

Section 6. Executive Director. The administration of the Center shall be vested in an
Executive Director who shall render full-time service. The Executive Director shall be
appointed by the Board. He shall have a term of four (4) years and shall be 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 Center,
the Board shall have the authority to designate an officer-in-charge of the Traffic
Center within six (6) months from the date of vacancy pending the appointment of a
new Executive Director.

The Executive Director shall exercise the following powers and duties:

a. To direct the management, operations, and administration of the Center;

b. To appoint such officers and employees, to define their duties, fix their
compensation, discipline, and dismiss any for cause, subject to the Civil Service
Commission rules and regulations, and

c. To develop arrangements for institutional capability building with appropriate
institutions and agencies, public or private, local or foreign, and to appoint
experts or specialists as consultants, researchers, as the case may be.

Section 7. Appropriations. The amount of one hundred million (P100,000,000.00)
for the structure, equipment, initial operation, and maintenance of the Solar Energy
Development Center shall be sourced from the appropriations for the Department of
Energy. Subsequent subsidy for the years thereafter shall be included in the General
Appropriations Act.

Section 8. Repealing Clause. Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation, contrary to or
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended
accordingly.


Section 9. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is held
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain
in full force and effect.

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

Approved,