Environmental Protection and Public Health Mandates
- Based on Sections 2 and 4(a) of Republic Act No. 8749 (Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999), the State is committed to ensuring a balanced and healthful ecology.
- The right of citizens to clean air is recognized as fundamental.
Legal Framework for Bioethanol Use
- Republic Act No. 9367 (Biofuels Act of 2006) mandates a minimum 10% bioethanol blend by volume in gasoline (Section 5.2), ensuring renewable and clean energy use without harming ecosystems or food reserves.
Government as a Major Fuel Consumer
- The Government is identified as a significant user of gasoline-powered vehicles, thus serving as a strategic implementer of the bioethanol blending mandate.
Environmental and Industry Benefits of Bioethanol Blending
- Blending bioethanol with gasoline reduces harmful emissions and carbon monoxide, thereby improving air quality.
- The World-wide Fuel Charter permits bioethanol blending up to 10% by volume, validating this standard.
- Utilizing bioethanol supports the Philippine sugar industry by creating new markets and enhancing sugarcane farmers' livelihoods.
Availability of E10 Fuel Nationwide
- E10 gasoline (10% bioethanol blend) is commercially available across gasoline retail stations in the Philippines.
Mandatory Government Use of E10 Fuel (Section 1)
- All government departments, bureaus, offices, instrumentalities, and government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) must purchase and use E10 blended gasoline for their gasoline-fueled vehicles.
Rulemaking Authority and Coordination (Section 2)
- The Department of Energy (DOE), coordinating with relevant agencies, must develop and issue implementing rules and regulations within 30 days of the Circular’s effectivity.
Resource Allocation for Implementation (Section 3)
- Government entities are directed to allocate necessary resources for utilizing E10 fuel, complying with existing auditing and accounting regulations.
Public Awareness and Stakeholder Engagement (Section 4)
- The DOE is tasked to conduct information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns to raise public awareness and address concerns regarding E10 fuel use.
Internal Compliance and Reporting (Section 5)
- Government agencies and GOCCs must issue internal directives implementing this Circular within one month of its effectivity.
- Copies of such directives must be furnished to the Office of the President and the Department of Energy.
Repeal and Modification of Inconsistent Regulations (Section 6)
- Any prior orders, issuances, rules, or regulations inconsistent with this Circular are repealed or modified accordingly.
Severability Clause (Section 7)
- If any provision is declared unconstitutional or invalid, it does not affect the validity of other provisions.
Effectivity (Section 8)
- The Circular takes effect fifteen days after its publication in at least two newspapers of general circulation.