Senate OKs PHP 3.8-B energy budget for 2026

The Senate has approved the Department of Energy’s (DOE) proposed PHP 3.8 billion budget for 2026, signaling strong legislative support for energy security and the country’s shift to cleaner power sources.

The budget was passed swiftly during plenary debates on Thursday, marking the fastest approval for the DOE to date.

“This year’s deliberations mark the fastest budget debate for the DOE to date, and we are truly grateful for the Senate’s confidence in our work,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said.

“The Senate’s swift approval of our budget is a clear vote of confidence in the DOE’s direction,” she added, noting that it allows the agency to move faster on securing the country’s energy future and expanding space for private sector participation, especially in renewable energy.

Garin thanked Sen. Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian for his consistent support and Sen. Risa Hontiveros for her questions, which she said were “appreciated by many of our kababayan.”

She also expressed gratitude to Senate President Tito Sotto for his leadership and continued support for the DOE.

Garin acknowledged Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri for recognizing the agency as “consistently among the most efficient government departments in the bureaucracy,” which she said inspires the DOE to maintain high performance standards.

The 2026 DOE budget prioritizes energy security, exploration and development infrastructure, and the acceleration of the renewable energy transition.

A key component of the budget is funding for resource assessment and pre-development activities such as gradiometry and seismic surveys aimed at mapping geothermal, oil, gas, and hydrogen resources.

“These initiatives are not mere expenditures, but strategic investments,” Garin said.

“Every peso we invest in data and exploration today increases our chances of unlocking new indigenous resources tomorrow.”

Under fiscal rules, 60% of net income from petroleum and selected energy exploration activities is remitted to the government through the Energy Resource Development Fund or Malampaya Fund.

By investing in early exploration, the government seeks to reduce investor risk, encourage private sector participation, and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in attracting foreign capital.

The DOE said most renewable energy investments will still come from the private sector, while the agency will focus on lowering risks, setting clear policy direction, and ensuring regulatory stability.

Aligned with the Renewable Energy Act, the DOE said it will use its 2026 budget to promote energy security, attract investment-ready projects, and accelerate the shift to cleaner power sources.

The department said lower electricity costs, stronger system reliability, and reduced carbon emissions should be tangible benefits for Filipino households and businesses.