Senator Win Gatchalian called for more than a 100-percent increase in an item in the proposed P4.506-trillion national budget for 2021 that will fund the electric cooperatives’ (EC) repair of damaged power lines and infrastructures. 

Senator Win Gatchalian is visiting Marikina City, one of the cities hardest hit by typhoon Ulysses that battered Luzon, to be apprised of the power supply situation.

The Senate inquiry on the impending expiration of Service Contract 38 or the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power Project, along with issues surrounding its operation and management, has been set on Tuesday, November 10.

As the COVID-19 pandemic is leading to reduction in fossil fuel consumption, Senator Win Gatchalian urged the government to maximize the potential of renewable energy resources in the country and step up the energy transition.

Senator Win Gatchalian said that P250 million funds under the current budget has been allocated from which electric cooperatives in typhoon-devastated areas can avail of to finance rehabilitation works on damaged power lines.

Senator Win Gatchalian expresses concern on the looming shut down of Petron Corporation’s refinery in Limay, Bataan due to huge losses amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Senator Win Gatchalian urged the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to issue an ultimatum on the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to comply with the requirement to list its shares of stock, a provision specifically stated in its franchise as the country’s transmission system operator.

Senator Win Gatchalian has put to task the Department of Finance (DOF) in providing for sufficient budget and in sparing the taxpayers from being choked by new borrowings to fund next year’s obligations of the Murang Kuryente Act.

Senator Win Gatchalian has called for a Senate inquiry on the issues surrounding the looming expiration of Service Contract (SC) 38 or the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-To-Power Project given its critical role in the country’s energy security.