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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider House bill that would help solve flood, garbage woes gets final approval

House bill that would help solve flood, garbage woes gets final approval

Published May 21, 2026 02:35 pm

At A Glance

  • The House of Representatives passed HB No. 9157, or the proposed "Waste-to-Energy Act", on third and final reading with 255 affirmative votes to address the garbage crisis and recurring floods.
  • The measure establishes a national framework for developing and regulating waste-to-energy facilities, requiring compliance with environmental laws, continuous emissions monitoring, and proper treatment of residues.
  • The bill reduces reliance on dumpsites, converts residual waste into usable energy, encourages LGU clustering for efficiency, provides incentives for compliant projects, and prohibits imported waste as feedstock.
(Unsplash)
(Unsplash)



The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed on third and final reading on Wednesday night, May 20, the proposed “Waste-to-Energy Act"--a priority measure identified by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).
Approved during plenary session on the strength of 255 affirmative votes was House Bill (HB) No. 9157, which was mainly pushed in plenary by House Speaker Isabela 6th district Rep. Faustino "Bojie" Dy III and Majority Leader Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos.
Only six congressmen voted in the negative while three abstained in the nominal vote for the HB No. 9157, which was meant to address the country’s worsening garbage problem and recurring floods through modern waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies.
HB No. 9157 was filed in substitution of HB Nos. 1636, 2220, 4054, 4149, 5604, 5834, and 8129.
The measure seeks to establish a national framework for the development, regulation and operation of facilities utilizing WTE and other waste treatment technologies.
It aims to reduce waste accumulation in waterways, drainage systems, and flood control infrastructure often clogged by garbage during heavy rains and typhoons.
The bill also seeks to reduce dependence on open dumpsites and convert residual waste into usable heat, electricity, or fuel through environmentally compliant technologies.
The measure offers a long-term and science-based response to the country’s waste management and energy security challenges.
Under the measure, WTE facilities will primarily function as energy production facilities while integrating solid waste management systems consistent with Republic Act No. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
The bill mandates continuous emissions monitoring systems approved by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and requires compliance with the Clean Air Act, Renewable Energy Act, Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act, and other environmental laws.
It also requires the proper treatment and disposal of residues generated by WTE facilities and mandates operators to adopt best available technologies and practices for pollution prevention and emissions control.
The Department of Energy (DOE), DENR, Department of Health (DOH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) are tasked to formulate policies and standards governing the establishment and operation of WTE facilities.
The measure also encourages local government units (LGUs) to cluster together for the establishment of common WTE facilities to improve efficiency and lower operational costs.
Qualified WTE projects, including pioneer projects complying with strict operational and environmental standards, may also avail themselves of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives under the measure.
The bill prohibits the use of imported municipal solid waste as feedstock for WTE facilities and imposes penalties that include fines, imprisonment, and revocation of licenses for violations of the proposed law.
Marcos said the measure balances environmental protection, public health, and the country’s growing need for reliable and sustainable energy sources.
“This is not simply an energy measure or a waste management proposal. It is a national development measure that will help build cleaner, safer, and more resilient communities for future generations,” Marcos stressed.

Related Tags

Third and final reading House of Representatives waste-to-energy Sandro Marcos Faustino \"Bojie\" Dy III
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