DOE calls for creation of local ecozones

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Energy is pushing for the creation of “domestic ecozones” as these will help ensure that critical power projects and energy infrastructure will be insulated from changing local ordinances.

The creation of a domestic economic zone, which is being spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry, will allow the government to set up something similar to an economic zone except that the local version will do away with minimum investment requirements for locators.

While these proposed zones would not be given tax holidays, locators inside a domestic ecozone would be free from local government regulations.

Such an assurance will thus help provide prospective firms a more stable business environment, according to Energy Undersecretary Josefina Patricia M. Asirit.

Asirit said in a briefing that the issue was now up for discussion at the Cabinet level, but added that further studies have to be undertaken to determine the impact on local government units.

The DOE has been seeking from the National Economic and Development Authority the declaration of certain energy projects as projects of national significance so that these would be insulated from changing local laws.