EO to fast-track key projects pushed

The Department of Energy (DOE) wants to speed up the Philippines’ development by removing time-consuming and resource-wasting roadblocks to the implementation of power projects deemed “nationally significant”, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said on Tuesday.

As such, policymakers will propose to Malacañang that President Duterte issue an executive order (EO) that will “facilitate the implementation of energy projects of national significance” to encourage more investments in the energy sector.

“It will ensure the timely completion of energy projects by addressing the legal impediments or other issuances such as the environmental compliance certificate,” Cusi said in a speech before energy sector stakeholders in Makati City yesterday.

At the same time, the DOE, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines and the National Transmission Corp. will secure the transmission system and address the right-of-way issues affecting the country’s power transmission network through the revival of an inter-agency task force to resolve the matter.

“With this EO, we intend to harmonize and implement policies to make doing business easier, to level the playing field, to entice new and small players to be competitive,” Cusi said, “In sum, the EO aims to declare strategic infrastructure projects as projects of national significance to support industrialization and urbanization.”

Cusi made these remarks at the final leg of the investment fora hosted by the DOE’s investment promotion office, and as part of the ongoing National Energy Consciousness Month.

He explained that the energy investment forum was an opportunity to share with partners and stakeholders updates on the DOE’s undertakings, including policy directions and investment opportunities in the energy sector.

“We are supporting the advancement of the Philippines’ national social and economic agenda, by undertaking policy and market reforms complemented by an active stewardship of the public interest in the country’s energy resources and industries,” Cusi said.

In his presentation, the Energy chief discussed the current situation and investment opportunities in power, upstream and downstream oil and gas, coal, renewable, coal, alternative and biofuels and energy efficiency and conservation.

Specifically, he highlighted the DOE’s efforts in crafting a comprehensive and responsive energy mix policy to support and sustain the growing economy while guiding energy developers on the business environment.