The “power bloc” of the House of Representatives said that the Supreme Court is critical in making sure that the energy future of the Philippines is stable and secure, as they also cited the Malampaya power plant as a platform that significantly fuels up the economy and could thus be seen as long-term national partner in this regard.
About 30% of the power requirements of Luzon depend on the natural indigenous gas that Malampaya produces. This successful Public-Private Partnership is also responsible for 98% of the domestic oil and gas production in the country, fueling its industries including the embattled hospitals and health care centers valiantly fighting the spread of the pandemic.
House Resolution No. 1063, which the solons had earlier filed, strongly calls for the creation and implementation of national defense and security policies that can empower the Philippines to have a resilient, independent power industry.
“The resolution of the continuation of the operations of Malampaya is critical and urgent, both for our pandemic-filled present and the future of this country when it comes to our energy security and our healthcare industry,” reiterated Quezon City Rep. Presley De Jesus from Philreca Partylist.
“Malampaya does not just provide power to our hospitals and health care systems at a time like this. However, time is running out for Malampaya. A resolution in its favor will solidify the integral role of energy security in the country, while ensuring the survival of our healthcare system—in the present and in a challenging future which is laden with so much economic and medical uncertainties,” De Jesus said.
He added that they are confident that they trust Supreme Court’s steadfast leadership to do what is right by the people and move forward with this policy to ensure a secure future for energy, national security, and overall health.
Malampaya is currently the subject of a pending case at the SC and is awaiting the final decision of the High Court.
“Malampaya does not just provide power to our hospitals and health care systems at a time like this but it has also been one of the reliable sources of funding that the government taps to contain the coronavirus and its attendant crises,” De Jesus added.
“‘Energy security is a crucial factor in protecting and upholding our national sovereignty, so we can keep domestic economies running at full power,’ urged Rep. Sergio C. Dagooc, also of Quezon City and from the Apec Partylist. He pointed out that, with COVID-19 causing a strain on the global supply chain, it is no longer sustainable nor practical to keep relying on foreign fuel sources.
Another congressman from Quezon City, Rep. Adriano A. Ebcas from Ako Padayon Partylist, gave an urgent forecast: “Unless the government quickly addresses all these energy issues and rising demands, the Philippines may face an acute power shortage.
“These power shortages can have far-reaching effects—from access to energy and high energy cost, to livelihood, education, and of course, national security,” Ebcas said.
