House bill pushes for solar-powered street lights nationwide

A bill authored by Rep. Ma. Victoria Co-Pilar intends to use solar power to light up all national, provincial, municipal, city and barangay roads and streets all over the country.

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Rep. Ma. Victoria Co-Pilar wants all streets and roads nationwide to be lit by solar lamps to protect the environment for future generations.

In filing House Bill No. 10310, or her proposed Solar Street Lights Act, Co-Pilar cited the doctrine of “intergenerational responsibility” mentioned in the Supreme Court’s ruling on Oposa vs Factoran. The case involved a complaint filed by young people and an environmental organization against then Environment Secretary Fulgencio Factoran over the granting of timber license agreements (TLAs). According to the complainants, whom the high court ruled in favor of, the TLAs violated their right to a balanced and healthy ecology.

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According to Co-Pilar, intergenerational responsibility means that “every generation has a responsibility to the next to preserve the rhythm and harmony of nature for the full enjoyment of a balanced and [healthy] ecology.”

“Hence, our generation must take initiatives to protect our environment by reducing carbon emissions and shifting to renewable energy,” she added.

Adverse effect

In her bill, the lawmaker cited the importance of electricity in modern life and the economy but noted its adverse effects, particularly the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHG) that result in environmental deterioration.

“These GHG trap heat causing global warming and climate change. Climate crisis affects everyone and those who have contributed the least are the most affected—the future generation,” Co-Pilar said.

Under her bill, “all national, provincial, municipal, city and barangay roads and streets shall use solar street lights” at night to be powered by solar panels.

It also tasks the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to conduct a study on how many solar street lights should be installed, the standard distance between these, their specifications including wattage and battery capacity, and the number of solar panels required.

The DOST will further provide a list of areas where the solar street lights should be installed “based on a reasonable criterion, taking into consideration the urgency of providing adequate street light supply and the population of the place.”

“In the purchase of solar street lights for installation and use, local businesses shall be given priority in supplying the government … the same. A higher priority shall be given to local businesses that manufacture and sell solar street lights,” the bill states.