Senate OKs creation of world-class PH energy think tank

The Senate approved on third and final reading a bill aiming to foster greater energy security, sustainability, and affordability in the country.

Under Senate Bill No. 1574, also known as the Philippine Energy Research and Policy Institute (PERPI) Act of 2018, a world-class think tank meant to bridge research and policy gaps in the Philippine energy sector will be established.

“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,” Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who authored and sponsored the bill, said in a statement on Monday.

Gatchalian also chairs the Senate Committee on Energy.

He explained that the PERPI will be tasked “to conduct multidisciplinary energy research, incubate and develop cutting edge technologies, and serve as the sparring partner for the government during the energy policy-making process.”

Gatchalian also said that the PERPI, a publicly-funded institute, will ensure that the results of its research and policy development activities will be used to “craft energy sector reforms for the benefit of the national economy and the welfare of the Filipino people.”

He noted that  there is no government entity currently providing all the services envisioned to be provided by PERPI.

The bill appropriates P200 million for the initial funding of the think tank. An endowment fund will also be established to further power the institute’s research.

“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,” Gatchalian said.

“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,” he added. /ee