Government urged to prioritize environment, renewable energy to lower electricity costs

April 13, 2025 , 07:34 PM

By Rodolfo Dacleson II

(April 13, 2025) – An environmental advocate argued that prioritizing the environment could lead to lower electricity costs and long-term economic sustainability.

Roy Cabonegro, who’s running for senator in the upcoming midterm elections, stressed that the prevailing belief that environmental protection leads to higher prices of goods and commodities is inaccurate.

“Kapag inuna mo ‘yung ating kalikasan, bumababa ang presyo at gastusin natin at mas nagiging sustinable ang kakayanan nating kumita,” said Cabonegro on One News’ “Aplikante.”

The average electricity rate is over P13 per kilowatt-hour, as of writing.

Cabonegro, who’s part of the Democratic Party of the Philippines and chairs environmental organization Makakalikasan, furthered that while investing in renewable energy is costly, the feed-in tariff (FiT) system exists to support its early-stage development if the government participates.

The FiT system was established under Republic Act No. 9513 to encourage investments in renewable energy. Fixed payments will be offered to qualified power producers.

“Kailangan mag-invest ang estado (sa renewable energy). Ngayon na naka-hands-off ang estado, hindi talaga mangyayari ‘yan. Mababa ang ating ambition sa ating mga target,” added Cabonegro.

The push for transitioning to renewable energy in the Philippines has been continually stalled by the country’s reliance on coal, among several hindrances.

In 2023, the Philippines became the most coal-reliant country in Southeast Asia based on data from energy think tank Ember. Coal accounted for 61.9% of the country’s electricity generation.

Coal produces large quantities of carbon emissions, which are among the leading contributors to climate change.

The Philippine Energy Plan of the Department of Energy revealed that the country will still heavily rely on fossil fuels, including coal, until 2040.

“May mali sa polisiya ng ating renewable energy. But when you really understand what renewable energy is, murang kuryente ang ibig sabihin nito,” claimed Cabonegro.

During the Conference of the Parties 26 in 2021, the Philippines was among the over 40 countries that vowed to transition away from coal power.

(PM)

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