House Deputy Majority Leader Jude A. Acidre, a nominee of Tingog party-list group said he iis joining others in supporting the appeal for the Senate to pass legislation to put in place state policy for the full development of the Philippine natural gas industry.
Acidre said the House has already passed on third reading the proposed Philippine Downstream Natural Gas Industry (PDNGI) Development Act, a legislative priority of the Marcos administration.
“With humility, I urge our fellow lawmakers in the Senate to prioritize the deliberation on the Philippine Downstream Natural Gas Industry Development Act,” Acidre said.
“While this is not a silver bullet that will address all the problems in the energy sector, I am certain that it will alleviate the conditions of our energy supply,” the House majority leader added.
“More importantly, its inclusion as one of the LEDAC priorities of this administration needs no further explanation or plea for its immediate passage,” he said, referring to the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.
“This proposed law is one of the important policies under Bagong Pilipinas,” Acidre said.
Acidre is one of the principal authors of the measure’s version in the House, HB 8456, which the chamber already approved on third reading on Aug. 3, 2023 by a 215-3 vote
It seeks to establish the PDNGI to promote indigenous natural gas as a “safe, environment-friendly, efficient, and cost-effective source of energy.”
Its counterpart bill in the Senate, SB 2247, authored by Sen. Raffy Tulfo, is now being reviewed by a technical working group.
Acidre said he is one with colleagues in the House and partners in the energy industry in appealing to the Senate to act on the counterpart bill which has been pending in Tulfo’s committee since last year.
Acidre cited expert discussions in COP 28 held in Dubai “that natural gas is an important energy source that needs to be harnessed to reach energy independence.”
“Developing the natural gas industry can help the Philippines become more self-reliant in meeting its energy needs,” Acidre said.
“By tapping into domestic natural gas resources and building a robust industry around it, the country can reduce its dependence on imported energy sources,” he said.
Acidre said that the country needs to have a PDNGI in place to sustain stability in electricity supply.
“Considering the energy crisis that repeatedly comes to fore every summertime, the development of the downstream natural gas industry can help enhance the country’s energy security by diversifying its energy sources,” Acidre said.
He reiterated the views of fellow authors of the PDNGI proposal that a natural gas development policy would reduce Philippine reliance on imported fuel and lead to a stable and secure energy supply.
“Moreover, natural gas can offer a more cost-effective energy option compared to other fossil fuels,” Acidre said.
“This can help lower energy costs for consumers, including households, businesses, and industries, making energy more affordable and accessible to Filipinos,” he added.
He expressed belief that senators will display the same enthusiasm as the House did on the bill.
“Managing our energy costs and ensuring that we are able to stabilize it through this measure is our priority,” said Acidre.
“It affects the prices of basic commodities and necessities of our fellow Filipinos,” he said.
“That’s why the House worked hard to prioritize this proposed law,” he added.