MANILA -- The Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to establish the Philippine Energy Research and Policy Institute (PERPI) to help address research and policy gaps in the local energy sector and push for reforms that will directly benefit Filipinos.
Senate Bill 1574 or the "Philippine Energy Research and Policy Institute Act of 2018”, was approved with an 18-0 vote.
The proposed measure mandates the establishment of the PERPI at the University of the Philippines.
PERPI, which is inspired by similar international energy think tanks hosted by top American universities, will be tasked to conduct multi-disciplinary energy research, incubate and develop cutting edge technologies, and serve as the government's partner in the energy policy-making process.
It will be headed by an Executive Director, who will be appointed by the UP Board of Regents upon the recommendation of the UP President.
The measure also provides that the executive director shall be a recognized expert in energy research and policy development.
He or she will serve for a term of five years, which can be renewed for another five years.
PERPI's research and policy direction and priorities shall be determined by an Advisory Council.
Once enacted into law, an initial funding of PHP200 million shall be appropriated for the organizational and operational requirements of the institute.
An Endowment Fund will also be established to further power the institute's research.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Energy and the bill’s main author and sponsor, welcomed the passage of the measure in the Senate.
"Finally, we are now one step closer to having our very own world-class think tank that will stand at the forefront of Philippine energy research and policy development," he said in a statement.
"As a publicly-funded institute, PERPI will be in charge of ensuring that the results of its research and policy development activities are used to craft energy sector reforms for the benefit of the national economy and the welfare of the Filipino people," Gatchalian said.
He added that once established, PERPI would play a critical role in meeting the country's ambitious long term socio-economic goals.
“I firmly believe that the research output of the Institute would be essential for us to meet these goals and help us build a stronger and more prosperous future for our nation," Gatchalian said. (PNA)
