_{Photo credit: Alan Peter Cayetano official website}

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano called for a clean-energy transition that protects Filipino households while boosting domestic energy production.

Speaking after the Department of Energy’s (DOE) budget briefing, Cayetano highlighted the Philippines’ heavy dependence on imported fuel. “With more than half of our energy requirements being imported, we are clearly vulnerable to geopolitical conflicts,” he said.

He stressed that reliance on foreign fuel exposes the country to global price swings and supply disruptions. “Let’s make sure our energy strategy moves in the right direction, one that strengthens our security and ensures every Filipino has access to reliable and affordable power,” Cayetano said.

The senator warned that delays in implementing energy policies or favoring imported sources could weaken both cost-effectiveness and energy security. “Increased reliance on imported sources of fuel threatens the country’s energy security and energy sovereignty because these are greatly susceptible to a volatile market,” he noted.

Cayetano urged a dual approach: a transition to cleaner energy that does not burden households, alongside the development of local energy resources.

“We have to transition to cleaner energy without making ordinary Filipinos pay more and at the same time build local energy sources that make our country stronger and more resilient,” he added.

What strategies should the Philippines prioritize to balance clean energy adoption, consumer protection, and local supply growth? Share your thoughts.

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