THE House Committee on Energy chaired by Marinduque Rep. Lord Alan Velasco, and the Committee on Information and Communications Technology presided over by its vice chairman Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, in a joint meeting on Monday, approved the unnumbered substitute bill aimed at ensuring that all overhead electric distribution and communication lines are properly installed and maintained for public safety and good housekeeping.
The unnumbered substitute bill harmonized and consolidated versions of House Bills (HBs) 225, 993, 4428, 5870 and 7138, authored by Reps. Geraldine Roman, Mark Go, former Rep. Rex Gatchalian, Reps. Joseph Gilbert Violago and Gus Tambunting, respectively.
The bills were harmonized and consolidated through the efforts of a technical working group (TWG) chaired by Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro.
The substitute bill mandates, among others, the conduct of periodic inspection of overhead electric distribution and communication lines in compliance with the standard clearance to the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) Part 2.
It also calls on local government units (LGUs) to ensure that every distribution cable and telecommunications company within their territorial jurisdiction comply with the standard and regulations provided under the PEC.
Electric distribution, cable and telecommunications companies are also mandated to maintain good housekeeping and implement sound maintenance programs in all their service areas.
It also provides penalties for violations of the proposed measure.
After its joint meeting with the committee on ICT, the energy panel continued its meeting and approved the substitute bill mandating the installation of Renewable Energy (RE) systems in government-owned facilities (GOFs) to promote the development and utilization of renewable energy in government.
It also seeks to reduce electricity consumption of GOFs as well as ensure cost-efficient, sustainable, secure, and reliable supply of energy to GOFs for the prompt and unhampered delivery of services.
The bill substituted HBs 1888, 2565, 7625, 6972, and 8662, authored by Reps. Rep. Maria Theresa Collantes, former Rep. Ralph Recto, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, Reps. Ching Bernos and Margarita ‘Atty. Migs’ Nograles, respectively.
Sta. Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez, vice chair of the committee on energy and TWG chair said the bill mandates that the installation of RE systems of GOFs shall be done in coordination with the DPWH and the Department of Energy (DOE).
The bill also provides guidelines for the installation of RE systems in GOFs, such as the provision of incentives and privileges. It also mandates that the 20-percent average monthly consumption shall be covered by the RE systems and shall be installed within one year after the effectivity of the proposed measure.
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