Senate President Win Gatchalian called on the Department of Energy (DOE), local government units (LGUs), and distribution utilities (DUs) to simplify permitting processes for rooftop solar installations, warning that bureaucratic hurdles are holding back wider adoption.
Gatchalian said rooftop solar can help households and institutions cut electricity costs, ease strain on the national grid during peak demand, and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. But he stressed that these benefits remain largely inaccessible without streamlined procedures and standardized requirements.
“The problem with solar rooftops is red tape. DOE must reduce the steps and requirements that applicants face,” Gatchalian said, noting that complicated approval processes discourage households, businesses, schools, and government offices from investing in solar energy.
The Senate President highlighted Pakistan as a model for rapid solar adoption, where consumer-driven demand flourished once installation barriers were removed. He said the Philippines could similarly accelerate the shift to clean energy by making rooftop solar more affordable and accessible to the public sector and private consumers alike.
“By simplifying permits and cutting unnecessary procedures, we can unleash the potential of solar rooftops to lower energy costs and strengthen our energy security,” Gatchalian added.