Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 910)
The primary policy is to achieve self-reliance in the country's energy requirements primarily through intensified and coordinated exploration, exploitation, and development of indigenous energy resources to accelerate overall economic growth.
The Energy Development Board (EDB) is created to implement policies, coordinate activities, and oversee the exploration, exploitation, and development of indigenous energy resources.
The Board is composed of the Secretaries of Finance, Industry, Justice, National Defense, Economic Planning, Natural Resources, and the Chairman of the Philippine National Oil Company, with the President designating the Chairman from among these members.
The Board formulates policies, implements and coordinates exploration, exploitation, and development of energy resources including fossil, geothermal, nuclear, and unconventional indigenous energy sources; administers programs; undertakes direct exploration; regulates activities and fees; assesses energy R&D; takes over Petroleum Board functions; reviews power development plans; promulgates rules; and exercises incidental powers to achieve its objectives.
The Petroleum Board is abolished, and its powers, functions, funds, records, equipment, property, and necessary personnel are transferred to the Energy Development Board.
Their powers and functions related to coal exploration, development, and administration, as well as geothermal, natural gas, and methane gas promotion and regulation, are transferred to the Energy Development Board, including applicable records, equipment, funds, and personnel.
The Philippine National Petroleum Center is placed under the supervision and control of the Energy Development Board.
An initial appropriation of Five Million Pesos is provided, with yearly funds appropriated in the General Appropriations Act. All fees, revenues, and government shares collected by the Board form part of a Special Fund to finance energy resource development and exploitation programs.
The Board must submit an annual report to the President within three months after the end of every fiscal year, including an energy development plan focused on indigenous resource exploration. It must also submit periodic or other reports as required.
The Separability Clause ensures that if any provision of the Decree is declared unconstitutional, the remaining provisions will continue to be valid and enforceable.