Statement of Support for the Recent Approval of Senate Bill 2793: Philippine Natural Gas Industry Development Act
November 20, 2024Statement of Support for the Recent Approval of Senate Bill 2793: Philippine Natural Gas Industry Development Act
CitizenWatch Philippines strongly supports the recent approval of Senate Bill 2793, the Philippine Natural Gas Industry Development Act, which marks a significant milestone in advancing the country’s energy security. This landmark legislation positions natural gas—both indigenous resources and imported liquefied natural gas (LNG)—as a cornerstone of the Philippines’ energy transition.
The Philippine Energy Plan 2023-2050 highlights the need for an additional 15,989 megawatts of natural gas power capacity by 2050 under a clean energy scenario. Senate Bill 2793 provides a clear framework for achieving this target by encouraging both the exploration of indigenous natural gas sources and the development of LNG infrastructure.
The Philippines’ growing population and economy demand a stable and reliable energy supply. Frequent power interruptions have already led to significant economic losses, underscoring the urgent need for dependable energy sources.
While the government’s aggressive targets for renewable energy (RE) in the power generation mix—35% by 2030, 50% by 2040, and over 50% by 2050—are commendable, it is equally important to acknowledge that renewables alone cannot fully meet the country’s energy demands. RE is inherently variable and cannot serve as a baseload source. Until large-scale, long-duration energy storage technology becomes viable, natural gas will play a critical role as a transition fuel.
As the global trend shifts towards phasing out coal, natural gas offers a cleaner alternative. While LNG is a fossil fuel, data shows that LNG emits 50-60% less carbon dioxide than coal.
We now urge the President to sign this critical bill into law. Doing so will not only solidify the Philippines’ commitment to a secure and sustainable energy future but also drive economic growth by creating jobs and attracting investments in the energy sector.
CitizenWatch Philippines remains steadfast in advocating for policies that improve the quality of life for all Filipinos.