A senator believes that the P168.9 million in Malampaya royalties can bankroll the development and mass production of the Sustainable Alternative Light or SALt lamps.
“If you look at government finances, there should be no problem in finding money for these saltwater lamps,” said Senator Ralph Recto.
One saline solution-powered lamp, which can produce up to 90 lumens of light, is said to cost $20, plus $3 every six months for the replacement anode.
Its developer, engineer Aisa Mijeno, said her group would welcome financial grants so they can mass produce it.
Recto said government should approach Mijeno and offer her joint venture engagements. “Lack of funds cannot be invoked as a reason because clearly they’re available.”
“You don’t even have to seek budget from Congress because some of these funds are off-budget, meaning they can be tapped without having to go through the annual appropriations route, like the Malampaya royalty remittances,” he explained.
Recto was referring to the government share from the production of the Malampaya natural gas field off the coast of Northern Palawan.
The P168.9 billion was the fund’s balance as of May 31, 2015.
Since 2002, government has received a total of P210.9 billion from the production well’s operator. Releases from this fund reached P42 billion, Recto said, citing an official Bureau of Treasury report.
Next year, Malampaya remittances are projected to hit P34.7 billion. “This means on a daily basis, Malampaya is pumping P91.7 million into the government coffers,” Recto said.
Government’s “daily windfall alone is more than enough” to finance the development of SALt’s full potential, Recto said.
“If reports are true that P20 million is what the developers initially need to jump-start the lamp’s production, then just six hours’ worth of Malampaya would be enough,” Recto said.
Recto said government should approach Mijeno and offer her joint venture engagements. “Lack of funds cannot be invoked as a reason because clearly they’re available.”