By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Amid the raging conflict in the Middle East that continues to disrupt global energy markets, Malacañang said that it continues to look for alternative power sources in a bid to bolster the country’s energy market.
In a briefing on Monday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro underscored the importance of investing in renewable energy, which is pivotal in driving down dependence on fossil fuels and accelerating the shift towards a sustainable future.
Usec. Castro told the media, “Matagal na po itong pinag-uusapan, lalo na po noong nangyari itong sigalot sa Middle East. At sinasabi nga rin po ni (Department of Energy) Secretary Sharon Garin na dapat nating palawakin, palakasin ang renewable energy—isa po ito sa talagang tinutukan po ng gobyerno.”
This, as Secretary Garin said during a Senate Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) Committee meeting on Monday that the agency is eyeing to revamp its policies to further shield the Philippines from international oil price shocks.
Such would complement a second look into the provisions of the Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998, granting additional powers to the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), and an accelerated adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) to enhance energy-efficient mobility.
As of press time, the Southeast Asian nation has about 50.31 days of fuel inventory—54 days for gasoline, 48 days for diesel, and 36 days for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
The Energy chief concluded her remarks by reassuring lawmakers that the agency continues to conduct high-level negotiations in a bid to secure additional supply amid geopolitical developments in the oil-rich region.
jpv
