Friday, August 22, 2008 Auto firms ‘influence’ sought on RE bill
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo asked the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (Campi) to use their “influence” in urging the Senate to immediately pass the renewable energy (RE) bill.
Arroyo, during the 2nd Philippine International Motor Show at the World Trade Center in Pasay City last Thursday, said the House of Representatives had already passed its version and she thanks them for it.
“But we need the will of the people and the support of Campi to move our political leaders to embrace this new clean Green Philippines. I ask Campi to help us in our call on the Senate to pass this urgent legislation on the development and promotion of renewable energy sources,” she said.
“We are confident that your voices will be heard. I have heard the term ‘influential’ many times this morning, and indeed Campi is influential,” she added, citing the group’s earlier support for the excise tax on motor vehicles and the Biofuels Act.
Arroyo said the search of cheaper and cleaner fuel is a necessity because aside from having a cleaner motoring in light of the worsening global environment, there is an increased pressure on economies that have little or no energy sources of their own.
She said the Philippines in promoting renewable energy could tap sun, wind and geothermal resources and eventually produce its own clean fuels to lessen and in the future, no longer rely on foreign oil suppliers.
The President said measure like using more fuel efficient and environment friendly vehicles like the hybrid or electric cars is also one way of saving fuel.
“We await the hybrid models that shift from gasoline to electric owner at the touch of a button,” she said announcing that Trade Secretary Peter Favila reported to her that it would come “soon.” (JMR/Sunnex)
