If Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos would have his way, he would have all government offices use solar energy as a way to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

For this purpose, Marcos filed last March 15 House Bill (HB) No.7625, titled, "The Solar Energy in National Government Offices Act".

The measure mandates that solar energy systems be established to initially supply at least 10 percent of the electric power requirements of the government agencies in their respective buildings or offices for the first year after the effectivity of the Act.

"Provided, that solar energy utilization shall be increased annually for five years, at which time the established solar systems are expected to have the capacity to supply 50 percent of the power requirements of government agencies," the bill read.

In his explanatory note, Marcos noted that the Philippines sourced 55 percent of its power requirements from coal-fired power plants in 2020. Natural gas-fired power plants contributed 21 percent and oil-based power plants brought in 4 percent, he said.

"On the other hand, renewable energy sources which include solar, hydro, wind, and geothermal generate around 20 percent of the country's power supply," the explanatory note read.

Marcos, the senior deputy majority leader, said fossil fuels "contribute to global warming or more accurately, to climate change".

"In order for our economic development to be sustainable, it is imperative that we further pursue and promote renewable energy sources. This will not only avert a possible climate catastrophe but will also address the problem of expensive and exhaustible fossil-based energy sources," the presidential son said in justifying his measure.

The secretaries of the Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) shall issue the implementing rules and regulations of the Act.