MANILA - The Department of Energy said Thursday it was now easier for local governments to use their share of electricity sales, as long as the money is used to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under law, local government that host power plants get a cut from revenue, but they need to get the projects approved by the DOE.
“It’s their call how to use it as long as it is COVID-related,” Energy Sec. Alfonso Cusi told ANC's Headstart.
As much as P7 billion in energy funds for local governments has been accumulated, he said. The money is originally intended for livelihood, electrification and climate adaptation projects.
He cited Quezon and Davao City that are now using their share of energy revenues to address the pandemic. The funds can be used to buy personal protective equipment, rapid testing kits and other equipment.
COVID-19 pandemic, Philippine coronavirus updates, DOE, Alfredo Cusi, ANC Top, ANC Exclusives, Headstart, Epira law, ER 1-94, power, electricity, energy