Lawmaker Supports PBBM Move to Ease Biofuel Rules Amid Rising Fuel Prices
MANILA — A senator has expressed support for the move of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to temporarily ease biofuel blending requirements as fuel prices continue to rise due to global supply concerns.
Jinggoy Estrada said the proposal aims to protect Filipino consumers from additional fuel costs while the global oil market remains unstable.
“Oil remains the driving force of our economy—from transportation and agriculture to the cost of goods and services,” Estrada said in a statement. “At a time when global oil supply concerns are putting pressure on fuel markets, we must ensure that policies meant to promote sustainability do not unintentionally burden Filipino consumers.”
Estrada pointed out that Senate Bill 1485, also known as the “Murang Langis Act,” supports the President’s call to help keep fuel prices manageable. The bill would allow the use of more affordable bioethanol and prevent additional price increases that could arise from supply disruptions in the Gulf region.
The proposed measure is scheduled to be discussed by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
Under the bill, the government may temporarily suspend the mandatory biofuel blending requirement if the price of blended gasoline or diesel becomes at least five percent higher than pure petroleum fuel.
The decision to suspend the requirement would be made by the President based on recommendations from the National Biofuels Board and the Department of Energy. If approved, the suspension may last for up to one year.
Estrada explained that while the Biofuels Act was originally created to promote cleaner energy and support the local agriculture sector, policies must remain flexible during extraordinary global market disruptions.
“We must ensure that our policies remain responsive during times when global fuel markets are unstable,” Estrada said.
The proposal is expected to help ease fuel costs and reduce the financial pressure on Filipino consumers if global oil supply issues continue to affect pump prices.
NPO News Team | Philippines News Agency – PR
