Co-Sponsorship Speech
AN ACT AMENDING SECTION 5 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9367, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “BIOFUELS ACT OF 2006”
SBN 1965 in substitution of SBN 1485 under Committee Report No. 45
Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
March 16, 2026
Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I rise today to express my strong support for this measure that seeks to amend certain provisions of Republic Act No. 9367, also known as the Biofuels Act of 2006. I do so not only as a co-sponsor of this bill, but also as its principal author. The purpose of this bill is simple and practical. Fuel prices continue to place a heavy burden on Filipino families, transport workers, and businesses. Oil remains a key driver of our economy. It affects transportation, manufacturing, and ultimately the cost of goods and services that reach every Filipino household. When fuel prices go up, the impact spreads across the entire economy. Transport operators struggle to stay afloat, farmers and fisherfolk spend more just to earn a living, small businesses feel the pressure, and in the end, ordinary consumers carry the burden.
When the Biofuels Act was passed, it carried clear and meaningful objectives. It aimed to promote cleaner energy, support local agriculture, and reduce our country’s dependence on imported oil. Through mandatory biofuel blending, the law encouraged the use of locally produced biofuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel. Over time, however, global market conditions have changed. These shifts have created challenges that were not fully anticipated when the law was first enacted. Sa madaling salita, Mr. President, kahit maganda ang layunin ng batas, kailangan din nating maging handa na mag-adjust kapag nagbago ang sitwasyon sa merkado.
This measure introduces a more responsive approach to managing fuel prices. Under the substitute bill, the President, upon the recommendation of the National Biofuels Board (NBB) and the Department of Energy (DOE), may authorize through an Executive Order the temporary importation of biofuel components such as bioethanol and biodiesel when the price of blended gasoline or diesel becomes at least five percent (5%) higher than pure fuel. This authority is limited to a period of not more than one year. In doing so, the government is given the flexibility to ease pressure on fuel prices during periods of supply constraint or price spikes, while still upholding the broader goals of our biofuels program and protecting the interests of Filipino consumers.
Mr. President, ang layunin ng panukalang ito ay balansehin ang dalawang mahalagang layunin ng pamahalaan. Una, ang pagsusulong ng renewable at mas malinis na enerhiya. At pangalawa, ang pagtiyak na hindi lalong mabibigatan ang ating mga kababayan sa patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng langis. Hindi natin iniiwan ang ating commitment sa sustainable energy. Ang ginagawa lamang natin ay binibigyan ang pamahalaan ng sapat na flexibility upang tumugon sa pabago-bagong kondisyon ng pandaigdigang merkado.
Mr. President, at a time when every peso matters to Filipino families, it is our duty to ensure that government policies remain responsive to the realities faced by our people. This measure reflects a balanced and practical approach to energy policy. For these reasons, I respectfully urge my colleagues to support the passage of this important measure.