PASAY CITY — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is calling for major reforms in the country’s energy policies to attract investment and speed up the transition toward renewable power as global fuel markets remain volatile.
Speaking during a high-level policy dialogue involving regulators, investors, lawmakers, and civil society representatives, Gatchalian stressed that the Philippines must modernize its regulatory system to remove obstacles that discourage investment in clean energy projects.
According to the senator, the Department of Energy (DOE) should reassess and update the nation’s energy roadmap to ensure long-term sustainability while strengthening the country’s ability to withstand global fuel price fluctuations.
Gatchalian also pointed to the ongoing drilling of the Camago-3 gas well as a development that could support the country’s energy security in the coming years.
The well forms part of the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power Project, which supplies a significant share of Luzon’s electricity needs. For years, Malampaya has been a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to stabilize power generation costs and reduce reliance on imported fuels.
While the new well will not immediately translate into increased power supply, Gatchalian said it represents a promising step toward improving the country’s energy outlook.
The lawmaker emphasized that continued exploration and investment are crucial to maintaining a reliable energy supply and keeping electricity costs manageable.
The Philippines remains highly dependent on imported coal and oil, leaving the economy exposed to international price swings. Rising fuel costs have recently pushed up transportation fares, food prices, and electricity rates across the country.
To address these vulnerabilities, Gatchalian and other policymakers have been advocating for a more diversified energy portfolio that combines natural gas, renewable resources, and other domestic energy sources.
The DOE has not yet announced when production from the Camago-3 well could begin feeding power into the national grid, as evaluation and testing are still underway.
Meanwhile, international environmental law group ClientEarth warned that achieving long-term energy security will require swift and coordinated policy reforms.
During the forum, ClientEarth chief executive officer Laura Clarke said the decisions the Philippines makes today regarding infrastructure, market rules, and financing will determine whether the country remains dependent on fossil fuels or builds a resilient clean-energy system.
Clarke said the urgency of energy reform has intensified due to tensions in the Middle East, which have driven gasoline and diesel prices sharply higher in the Philippines and prompted the government to declare a national energy emergency.
At present, renewable sources account for about a quarter of the country’s energy supply. The government aims to increase this share to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.
Industry experts believe these goals are achievable but say progress could be slowed by several challenges, including complex permitting processes, aging power grid infrastructure, and insufficient investment flows.
Clarke highlighted the importance of strong legal frameworks in supporting the energy transition.
She explained that policies governing project approvals, electricity markets, and financial investments play a decisive role in determining how quickly renewable energy projects can be developed.
Officials from the DOE and the Energy Regulatory Commission echoed this view, stressing that regulatory systems must encourage renewable energy integration while ensuring stable policies that investors can rely on.
DOE Undersecretary Rowena Guevara said regulations must strike a balance between stability and adaptability.
She noted that streamlining permit approvals, clarifying land acquisition rules, creating single-window application systems, and improving coordination among government agencies could significantly reduce project delays.
Clarke concluded that decisive and well-designed policy reforms will be key to strengthening the country’s energy security while ensuring a sustainable and affordable power supply for Filipino consumers.
ia/mnm
