A proposal is being pushed in the Senate to require all government offices to shift to renewable energy, as lawmakers warn that continued reliance on imported fuel is exposing the country to rising electricity costs and global supply shocks.
During a hearing of the Senate Committee on Energy on Thursday, Senator Rodante Marcoleta urged the government to fast-track the adoption of solar and other clean energy systems in public institutions.
Marcoleta said it is no longer enough for the state to merely encourage the private sector to adopt renewable energy use while government facilities remain dependent on fossil fuels and imported power sources.
He proposed making solar photovoltaic systems and other renewable technologies mandatory in government buildings, saying this would demonstrate leadership in sustainability and strengthen the country’s energy security.
The senator warned that ongoing instability in global oil markets continues to drive up electricity costs, with geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions contributing to unpredictable price movements.
He said the Philippines, which relies heavily on imported oil, is particularly vulnerable to these external shocks, noting that fluctuations in global supply quickly translate into higher power bills and inflation that affect consumers.
Marcoleta stressed that the shift to renewable energy should no longer be treated as an optional policy direction but as an urgent national priority.
He added that accelerating the transition would help shield the country from external energy disruptions while reducing long-term pressure on households and the economy.
The proposal forms part of broader discussions in Congress on strengthening energy resilience and reducing dependence on imported fuel through cleaner and more sustainable power sources.