The Senate passed on third and final reading the Philippine Energy Research and Policy Institute Act of 2018 (PERPI), creating a world-class think tank that will link research and policy gaps in the Philippine energy sector, as well as strengthen energy security, sustainability, and affordability.
“Finally, we are now one step closer to having our very own world-class think tank that will stand at the forefront of Philippine energy research and policy development,” Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian was quoted as saying in Manila Bulletin.
Gatchalian is the Chairman of the Senate energy and economic affairs committees, as well as the principal author and sponsor of SB 1574.
“As a publicly-funded institute, PERPI will be in charge of ensuring that the results of its research and policy development activities are used to craft energy sector reforms for the benefit of the national economy and the welfare of the Filipino people,” he said in aManila Bulletin report.
The counterpart measure of Senate Bill 1574 or PERPI Act is still pending at the House of the Representatives.
PERPI is responsible for conducting multidisciplinary energy research, fostering and developing new technologies, and will serve as the government’s partner in the energy policy-making process.
As mandated in the Senate bill, the agency will be established at the University of the Philippines and be headed by an Executive Director, who will be appointed by the UP Board of Regents upon the recommendation of the UP President.
The policy direction and priorities of PERPI will be indicated by an Advisory Council and implemented by the Executive Director.
P 200 million will be allotted for its initial funding as soon as the bill is enacted into law.
An Endowment Fund will also be created to further empower the research institute.
“More than ever, the Philippines needs to develop a stable, affordable, and sustainable energy supply, as this will be critical to meeting the country’s ambitious long term socio-economic goals. I firmly believe that the PERPI Act will empower us to meet these goals and help us build a stronger and more prosperous future for our nation,” Gatchalian said.
