Abstract:

Developing countries like the Philippines have embarked on efforts to ensure energy supply security through renewable energy (RE) development. Developing RE requires policy responses to a multitude of issues such as infrastructure financing, support for research and development (R&D), and administrative procedures, to name a few. The government plays a vital role in addressing these issues. Needless to say, it is imperative for the Philippine government to formulate rules and policies, as well as establish institutions that will govern and resolve the multi-dimensional issues related to the development of renewable energy in the Philippines. This study examines the response of the Philippine government to develop renewable energy in the Philippines by particularly looking at the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 (Republic Act 9513). How does this law define the role of government in initiating and mobilizing efforts for renewable energy development? What issues have emerged afterwards? The study describes the features of the law. It also analyzes the raison d’ etre of the legislation by examining its purpose, functions, and what it intends to address. The law is analyzed in the context of the current Philippine energy situation; its institutional and procedural arrangements. The concluding section of the study focuses on specific issues such as research and development (R&D), and the bureaucratic processes that have emerged in light of the enactment of this legislation.