A group of Camarines Sur solons are batting for the imposition of a "carbon tax" on the use of electricity (CTE) as a way to raise extra funds for climate action initiatives.
One of them, Camarines Sur 2nd district Rep. LRay Villafuerte, said such landmark tax can help the country meet its ambitious decarbonization target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 75 percent by 2030.
Under House Bill (HB) No.4939, the CTE will be equivalent to P1 for every kilogram (kg) of CO2 emission per kilowatt hour (kWh). This will be tucked in the monthly electricity bills of consumers.
Villafuerte said the measure is urgent given the Philippines' reputation as a "ground zero for climate disaster".
“Abrupt climate change is not only imminent; it is here. It is consequently necessary for us to make a significant contribution to the global effort to stabilize GHG concentrations in the atmosphere,” said the National Unity Party (NUP) president.
However, HB No.4939 seeks to exempt from the payment of this climate or carbon tax: (1) households that each consume 60 kWh or below per month, and (2) those that use electricity generated from renewable energy (RE) sources.
For RE consumers to avail of the CTE exemption or refund, they are required under the bill to each secure a certificate from the Department of Energy (DOE) confirming that are harnessing RE power and not using electricity from the grid.
“The swift congressional approval of HB No.4739 will send a strong message to the global community of our country’s steadfast commitment to international climate action policy and the 19th Congress’ affirmation of the people’s right to a balanced and healthy ecology as well as the State’s paramount duty to safeguard such right for the present and future generations,” added Villafuerte, who filed a similar climate tax bill in the previous Congress.
“Proceeds from this climate or carbon tax plan are to be used solely for programs designed to help the most vulnerable Philippine communities better adapt to erratic weather patterns responsible for the worsening natural calamities," he said.
“This measure, once approved, will be the first of its kind in the country. It recognizes the unfortunate status quo of the environment and encourages every Filipino to act now,” stressed Villafuerte.
He further said that the CTE proceeds would be used to explore alternative and clean sources of energy, provide green public transportation and disseminate climate change awareness, among other objectives.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one GHG linked to global warming, and a major source of CO2 emissions in the Philippines are the burning of fossil fuel for electricity, heat and transportation, he said.
Villafuerte’s co-authors in HB No.4739 were Camarines Sur Reps. Miguel Luis Villafuerte (5th district) and Tsuyoshi Anthony Horibata (1st district), and Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Nicolas Enciso VIII.