Manila: Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday renewed his push for Senate Bill No. 366, or the Energy Transition Act, to strengthen the country's long-term energy security by reducing its dependence on imported fossil fuels. The measure seeks to establish a national framework for energy transition.

According to Philippines News Agency, the proposed legislation promotes the adoption of clean energy sources, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and delineates the responsibilities of government agencies in implementing transition policies in the transport and power sectors. Beyond bolstering energy security, an energy transition plan would help the Philippines meet its target of reducing and avoiding greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent from 2020 to 2030 through its Nationally Determined Contribution.

In pushing for the passage of the measure, Gatchalian emphasized that the country should not lose sight of the need to strengthen its long-term energy security despite easing tensions in the Middle East. "Kailangan nating mabawasan ang pagdepende ng bansa sa inaangkat na langis upang maprotektahan ang ekonomiya laban sa anumang posibleng panibagong oil crisis o biglaang pagtaas ng presyo ng langis. Kaya mahalagang magkaroon tayo ng isang malinaw at maayos na (We need to lessen the country's dependence on imported oil to protect the economy against future oil crises or sudden spikes of oil prices. That's why it is important for us to have a clear and orderly) energy transition plan," Gatchalian said.