Question & AnswerQ&A (MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 184)
The main directive is for all departments, bureaus, offices, and instrumentalities of the Government, including government-owned and controlled corporations, to use ten percent (10%) by volume bioethanol blended gasoline fuel (E10) for their motor vehicles operating on gasoline.
Republic Act No. 9367, known as the Biofuels Act of 2006, mandates a minimum ten percent (10%) blend of bioethanol by volume in gasoline fuel.
Section 2(a) of Republic Act No. 7638, the Department of Energy Act of 1992, declares the policy to ensure a continuous, adequate, and economic supply of energy aiming for self-reliance through integrated exploration, production, management, and development of indigenous energy resources without sacrificing ecological concerns.
Republic Act No. 8749, the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (PCAA), protects and advances the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology, including the right to breathe clean air.
The Department of Energy (DOE), in coordination with concerned government agencies, is responsible for formulating and issuing the necessary implementing rules and regulations within thirty (30) days after the effectivity of the Circular.
If any part of the Circular is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the validity of the other provisions shall not be affected by such declaration.
The blend of bioethanol in gasoline fuel reduces harmful emissions and carbon monoxide, thereby improving air quality in line with the Clean Air Act.
The use of bioethanol blended gasoline fuel will create a new domestic market for bioethanol, reinvigorate the Philippine sugar industry, and improve the lives of sugarcane farmers by increasing productivity.
The Circular takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.