An energy official yesterday said the Department of Energy will continue efforts to make the renewable energy bill a priority in the 14th Congress, which will open on Monday.

"We'll definitely push for it. We're looking at Secretary (Angelo) Reyes for support," Director Mario Marasigan of the Energy Utilization Management Bureau said.

At the Philippine Energy Plan 2007 Update Public Consultation in Bacolod City, Marasigan discussed the DOE's efforts to revitalize the exploration and development of indigenous resources such as fossil fuels and renewable energy, including hydro, wind, solar and biomass.

Hydropower sources have been identified in Siaton and three other areas in Oriental Negros while for wind, in San Carlos City.

Bagasse cogeneration projects have been indicated in the cities of Victorias, Talisay and Kabankalan.

"We are preparing to enter the deliberations in both Houses. As soon as the chairmen of the (energy) committees are named, we will set meetings with officials and start the briefings," Marasigan said.

The bill has already been certified urgent by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, but lack of quorum during the Congress' last session last month prevented the passage of several legislations, including the renewable energy bill.

"It's a timing problem. There were other bills that were more urgent," Marasigan said.

The passage of the bill had been strongly pushed by outgoing Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla who considered it a vital component of the country's efforts to attain 60 percent energy self-sufficiency three years from now.

The bill, which will direct the sourcing of a certain amount of power supply from renewable sources, also seeks to provide tax incentives for investments in renewable energy development.

These include duty exemption and zero value-added tax on importation of machinery and equipment for the first 10 years of an operating contract, and tax credit on domestic capital equipment and services.

It will also prescribe special realty tax rates on equipment and machinery and grant an income tax holiday to investors for the first six years of commercial operations.

Marasigan said Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who sponsored the bill in the Senate, has committed to help fasttrack its passage by continuing in the 14th Congress all the deliberations on the bill in the 13th Congress. "This is so that we will not start all over again."*NLG

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