Senate unanimously approves Biofuels Act

The Senate unanimously approved last night the Biofuels Act of 2006 mandating the use of biofuels as an alternative form of energy.

Voting 19-0 with no abstention, the senators approved Senate Bill 2226 in a bid to "reduce dependence in imported fuels with due regards to the protection of public health and the environment."

The proposed measure mandates the use of alternative fuels for the transport sector and the creation of the Philippine Biofuel Program in the country.

Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. expressed satisfaction over the passage of SB 2226, a day before Congress goes on Halloween recess.

"Today, we passed the biofuel act. We are looking into the possibility to pass the other bills. It is time for us to look for other sources of energy. We want to encourage our countrymen to use biofuel," Villar told a news conference following the approval of the measure.

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who is on sick leave, went to the Senate yesterday in her effort to finalize and close the period of amendments for SB 2226.

Santiago said the Senate and the House of Representatives will immediately go into the bicameral conference to reconcile the two versions of the Biofuel Act.

"So we are going to bicameral (conference) this time... We foresee a very short conference.... We take that the presence of some congressmen here now as a measure of support... (We agree) on the basic principles we need to establish a biofuels industry in Asia," Santiago said.

Santiago pointed out the country can save up to $3-billion and more on expenses for imported fuel under the measure.

The Biofuels Act had been certified as urgent by Malacañang, allowing the Senate to fast-track the approval of the bill.