On January 28, 2020, the Senate of the Philippines Energy and Local Government Committees conducted a Joint Public Hearing regarding the following Senate Bills:
- Senate Bill No. 363 – An Act Establishing a National Energy Policy and Regulatory Framework for Facilities Utilizing Waste-to-Energy Technologies (Introduced by Sen. Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian)
- Senate Bill No. 401 – An Act Allowing the Use of Waste to Energy Technology in Electricity, Fuel and Heat Generation, and for Other Purposes (Introduced by Sen. Francis “Tol” Tolentino)
- Senate Bill No. 1011 – An Act Amending Republic Act No. 7160, Otherwise Known as the Local Government Code of 1991, for the Purpose of Enhancing the Power of Local Government Units in Waste Management and for Other Purposes (Introduced by Sen. Francis “Tol” Tolentino).
The meeting was called to order at 9:05 AM with the Committee on Energy Chairperson Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian leading the Joint Public Hearing with 24 resource speakers in attendance. It was also attended by Committee on Local Government Chairperson Sen. Francis Tolentino together with Senators Risa Hontiveros, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., and Imee Marcos.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Benny Antiporda took the lead as the first speaker of the hearing. With the department at his side, he presented the possible implications of Waste to Energy (WTE) Technology. Should the Bill obtain the votes needed, Local Government Units (LGUs) would then institutionalize WTE Powerplants as means to eradicate both problems of Solid Waste Management (SWM) and the ongoing energy crisis in the Country.
Sen. Gatchalian then presented some photos of him visiting WTE Powerplants abroad, and eventually raised a question to Usec. Antiporda regarding the legality of WTE Technology pertinent to existing laws and provisions in the Country. They then discussed the Supreme Court ruling of GR No. 147465. MMDA vs. JANCOM Environmental Corporation, et al. [2002] to provide clarity regarding misinterpretations surrounding the term “incineration”. Usec. Antiporda clarifies that incineration, insofar as the law is concerned, only prohibits those emitting poisonous and toxic fumes. The Senator then asks if WTE Technology may be allowed in the Country provided that these do not emit poisonous and toxic fumes, to which the USEC responds that it is/may be allowed as long as these technologies must first be reviewed and subsequently monitored by the DENR.
Sen. Tolentino then discussed the Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003). Usec. Antiporda stated that LGUs are having a hard time complying with the stipulated measures for effective waste management in the Law. As such, DENR Usec confirms that there are still 331 illegal dumpsites in the Country since sanitary landfills are hard to operate in LGUs with limited land, resources, and funding. Sen. Tolentino then asks Usec. Antiporda if there is a need to amend the RA 9003, to which the Undersecretary responds that there is.
Department of Energy (DOE) Director Mylene Capongcol of the Renewable Energy Management Bureau then argued that WTE is classified as Biomass technology. Dir. Capongcol also discussed the potential of WTE Technology as a source of renewable energy in rural areas. It was also mentioned that capacity building in LGUs to educate local officials on how to properly manage such technology in inaccessible areas.
Sen. Gatchalian then stated that the thermal components of WTE Technology are the most important mechanism of such technologies, asking the representatives of both DENR and DOE whether or not there are adverse effects to livelihood surrounding WTE Powerplants. Usec. Antiporda then answered that the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) is conducting a study regarding the implications of WTE Powerplants to its neighboring areas. Unfortunately, NEDA was not present in the hearing. Sen. Gatchalian then requested DENR and DOE to conduct a joint in-house study on the subject but would be tailored to cater the Environment and Energy academes. DENR also requested the participation of the Department of Science and Technology in the study.
LGU representatives from the Cities of Davao and Puerto Princesa were also present in the hearing, with both Cities already conducting a feasibility study for a prospective WTE Plant in the Cities. The City Government of Puerto Princesa representative Mr. Rodrigo Saucelo also stated that the presence of WTE Technology would be an advantage to the City as there are growing Leachate and Methane gas problems in the City.
Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Solutions Inc. was granted the opportunity to attend the said hearing, with Mr. Rafael Javier Eubra, President and CEO of APRES speaking on behalf of the company. He shed light on the venture of the company, while also stating its social responsibility and contribution to the greater good. Mr. Eubra was very enthusiastic in explaining the mechanisms by which the company operates. After the hearing, Mr. Eubra also spoke privately with Sen. Gatchalian regarding the promising effects of WTE Technology. He also expressed his appreciation to Sen. Gatchalian for a very fruitful discussion.
Sen. Gatchalian dismissed the hearing at around 12:45 in the afternoon.
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