MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Biodiesel Association (TPBA) on Monday called for a careful evaluation of proposed changes to Republic Act No. 9367, or the Biofuels Act of 2006, stressing that any adjustments should consider “the wider implications” for motorists, farmers, and public health.
The group’s statement comes as House Bill 4151, also known as the “Murang Langis Act,” is being deliberated in Congress. The bill seeks to give the President the power to suspend the mandated coco-biodiesel blend whenever blended diesel costs at least 5% more than pure diesel.
While acknowledging the consumer-protection goals of HB 4151, TPBA emphasized that blended diesel is not always more expensive. “In several periods—particularly during global oil price volatility—coco-biodiesel has been at parity or even cheaper than pure diesel,” the group noted.
Under current conditions, TPBA said the B3 blend adds only about ₱0.71 per liter over B2, or less than 2%, while a potential B5 blend may add roughly another 3%. Yet, it delivers a 6–10% improvement in fuel efficiency, the group added.
The association cited studies by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the University of the Philippines–National Center for Transportation Studies (UP-NCTS) as evidence supporting the benefits of biodiesel blends. TPBA also expressed support for Energy Secretary Sharon Garin for pushing policies that balance consumer protection, farmer welfare, environmental responsibility, and national energy security.
“The DOE has done an excellent job ensuring energy security and balancing stakeholder needs. Our contribution to the discussion is simply to highlight additional considerations to help ensure that all angles are fully evaluated,” TPBA Executive Director Ramon Taniola said.
TPBA further noted the environmental and public health benefits of coco-biodiesel, which can reduce soot emissions by up to 95%, potentially avoiding P1.86–2.2 trillion in annual health costs—a gain that directly benefits urban communities, children, seniors, and daily commuters.
“Biodiesel continues to give Filipinos more value per peso, and we hope to preserve that momentum,” Taniola added.
