Salceda to CCC and DOF: Keep our right to cheap energy, lift people out of poverty in decarbonization efforts

HOUSE Ways and Means Chair Joey Sarte Salceda has called on the Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Department of Finance (DOF) to ensure that decarbonization efforts prioritize affordable energy access and poverty alleviation. Salceda emphasized this position during discussions on proposed measures targeting high-emission industries, including power and manufacturing.

Salceda, the first Asian co-chair of the United Nations’ Green Climate Fund (GCF), underscored the need for a balanced approach while deliberating the tax provisions of the Unnumbered Substitute Bill to House Bills No. 7705 and 10633. The proposed legislation, titled “An Act Promoting Investments in Low Carbon Economy, Establishing for This Purpose a Carbon Emission Pricing Framework and Implementation Mechanism to Achieve Low Carbon and Resilient Economic Development,” aims to advance the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

Citing the Paris Agreement, Salceda highlighted Articles 3 and 4, which emphasize equity in climate obligations and the prioritization of economic development and poverty eradication for developing nations. “These provisions collectively give us the right to affordable energy,” Salceda argued.

The legislator expressed concern over potential economic repercussions for Filipino consumers, estimating that a full-scale decarbonization could raise electricity costs to as much as ₱18 per kilowatt hour. He warned against imposing undue financial burdens on Filipinos, asserting that climate actions must be supported by developed nations through counterpart financing.

“Ni singkong duling, dapat walang bayaran ang mga Pinoy, dahil tayo ang biktima. Kaya bawat decarbonization, dapat binabayaran ka. ‘Yun ang entire Paris Agreement,” Salceda remarked, stressing the principle that developed countries should lead and finance global decarbonization efforts.

Salceda also paid tribute to Filipino leaders who have played key roles in global climate negotiations, such as Ambassador Bernarditas Muller and CCC expert Baby Supetran, who championed the establishment of the UN Green Climate Fund and the Loss and Damage Fund.

The House leader reiterated that the Philippines’ decarbonization journey should align with its developmental priorities, ensuring no Filipino is left behind. “Kung gusto nila tayong gumawa para sa kanila, bayaran nila tayo,” Salceda concluded.