Senate reso to probe Malampaya fund anomalies filed
Senator Win Gatchalian is calling for a full-scale Senate investigation into billions of pesos worth of anomalous disbursements of Malampaya funds under the past two administrations. Senate Resolution No. 579, filed by Gatchalian on Tuesday, directs the appropriate Senate committee to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, “on the release of the Malampaya Funds by […]
Malacanang should appoint acting ERC commissioners
Senate Energy Committee Chairman Win Gatchalian on Friday urges Malacanang to appoint Acting Commissioners of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) during the period of suspension of four of its current Commissions who were found guilty of not implementing the Competitive Selection Process (CSP) which unduly favored some electric utilities. “The vacuum of leadership in ERC […]
Lower system loss cap championed for consumer electricity savings
Senator Win Gatchalian is championing a bill which will create direct consumer savings by reducing the amount of system loss charges that electricity companies are allowed to pass on to consumers in their monthly bills. Senate Bill No. 1623, otherwise known the Recoverable System Loss Act, proposes to decrease the current system loss caps from […]
Gatchalian: Retail competition can mitigate coal tax power rate hikes
Senator Win Gatchalian is calling on the Department of Energy to fast-track the implementation of the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) circular to mitigate the effects of projected electricity rate hikes in the event that the huge increase in the excise tax on coal becomes law. The circular, which seeks to finally implement the […]
Gatchalian to DOF: Cash transfers needed to ride ‘Inflation TRAIN’
Now that the Senate has approved the government’s requested tax reform package, Senator Win Gatchalian is reminding the Department of Finance to “keep its end of the bargain” in helping poor families cope with expected price increases of essential commodities. “The government has promised to roll out an expanded cash transfer program to shield 10 […]
Senate OKs energy anti-red tape bill
The Senate has approved on third and final reading a landmark anti-red tape measure poised to drive down electricity costs and provide significant savings to power consumers by modernizing and streamlining the permitting process behind the construction of power plants. Senate Bill No. 1439, also known as the Energy Virtual One Stop Shop (EVOSS) Act of 2017, […]
Senate approves EVOSS Act on 2nd reading
The Senate has approved on second reading Senate Bill No. 1439, the Energy Virtual One Stop Shop (EVOSS) Act of 2017, a measure which seeks to modernize and streamline the permitting process of energy generation projects in the country. The bill seeks to establish a technology and operations management software platform for all government entities […]
Senate seeks solution to NEA-BUSECO dispute
The Senate is taking the lead in mediating the heated dispute between the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the Bukidnon Second Electric Cooperative Inc. (BUSECO) concerning the former’s disciplinary authority over the latter. “This meeting was set to create a solution that would benefit both parties. A misunderstanding like this can possibly lead to technical […]
Gatchalian seeks transparency in use of P198-B Malampaya Fund
Senator Win Gatchalian is calling on executive officials to address ambiguities surrounding the utilization of the P198 billion Malampaya Fund to ensure that the remaining funds will be spent in a transparent manner in accordance with the law. Under Presidential Decree 910, royalties from the Malampaya natural gas facility are to be used exclusively for […]
