Government confident of immediate passage of Biofuels Act

The government is optimistic that Congress will soon pass into law the Biofuels Act in a bid to address the impact of rising world crude prices as well as air pollution.

Clovis Tupas, officer-in-charge and assistant director of the Energy Utilization Management Bureau, said the Department of Energy has been "getting a very positive" feedback on the bill.

Tupas said the DOE is expecting that the Biofuels Act, now pending in the Senate, will be passed before the 13th Congress adjourns sine die in June.

"We are very fortunate that Congress is optimistic about the passage of the law," Tupas said after he spoke on the advantages of the use of alternative fuel during the 75th anniversary of the Automobile Association of the Philippines at the Hotel Philippine Plaza in Manila.

Tupas also stressed the need for the country to be energy independent with a goal of 60 percent self-sufficiency by 2010.

Peter Binamira, of Vivant Green Technologies and Magicmend International, raised the question on why there was a limit of one percent mandatory blending of biofuel on fossil fuel when neighboring countries such as Malaysia are using five-percent palm oil.

Binamira also raised concern over the possibility of big oil companies trying to lobby for mere one percent use due to massive income losses that they may incur.

"There is a big difference between four to five percent. A lot of people are getting sick, if the premise is that diesel is bad for one’s health," Binamira said.

Binamira also noted that although use of biofuel has "no price advantage" compared to fossil fuel, its long-term effects on the environment are more important because the "health cost of uncontrolled pollution is very high."

Cris Michelena, convenor of the Philippine Biodiesel Association, said the use of alternative fuel adds 10 to 30 percent more mileage and at least P1,000 savings for every motorist. It also eases vehicle maintenance and allows better engine performance.

Michelena added that it lowers emission by 30 to 60 percent.

"We cannot forgo (the use of) diesel. At the time, there should be a solution because people are getting sick," Michelena said.

He also reported to the AAP members that a test program implemented in Baguio City confirmed the beneficial effects of biodiesel on mitigating pollution, and its effective savings on gas expenses through additional mileage. — Christina Mendez