Marcos signs into law bill promoting development of natural gas industry

 

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. has signed into law an act promoting the development of the natural gas industry in the country.

Marcos signed Republic Act 12120 on January 9 but it was publicized in the Official Gazette on Tuesday.

The newly signed law aims to promote natural gas as an “indispensable contributor” to energy security by establishing the Philippine Downstream Natural Gas Industry (PDNGI).

 The law tasks the Department of Energy (DOE) as the lead agency and is therefore authorized to evaluate, approve, and issue permits necessary for the siting, construction, operation and maintenance, expansion, modification, rehabilitation, decommissioning, and abandonment of any PDNGI facility or activity.

RA 12120 also promotes investments in the country’s natural gas industry by allowing the entry of investors through a system of competition, transparency, and fair trade, all to attain affordable energy for consumers.

Before Marcos signed RA 12120, the measure was passed by the Senate on Nov. 11, 2024, and adopted by the House of Representatives on Nov. 13.

 It will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette, with the DOE expected to promulgate its implementing rules and regulations within six months.