With gasoline pump prices up again this week, Senator Win Gatchalian said there is a need for Congress to look into the impact of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine on the country’s energy security and affordability.

Senator Win Gatchalian proposed solutions to the daily intermittent power outage in Occidental Mindoro as the power crisis is affecting hospital operations considering a dengue outbreak and rising COVID-19 cases.

Senator Win Gatchalian assured consumer protection is of utmost importance in filing his priority bills in the energy sector for the upcoming 19th Congress.

Senator Win Gatchalian commended the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for ordering Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) to refund its customers P21.8 billion equivalent to 87 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

Even if Occidental Mindoro’s power supply has been restored after it was hit by a three-day blackout that started last June 25, Senator Win Gatchalian is seeking a Senate investigation to address the problem of power interruptions plaguing the province for several years now.

Senator Win Gatchalian took to task the local government units (LGUs) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the long delay in the distribution of fuel subsidy to tricycle drivers, which stemmed from the inaccuracy of beneficiaries’ names submitted to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Senator Win Gatchalian urged the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to speed up the efficient distribution of fuel subsidies to the targeted beneficiaries in the public transport sector.

Underscoring the need to protect the interest of the nation above everything else, Senator Win Gatchalian urged the incoming officials of the Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure that existing laws and prescribed regulations are followed before giving its consent to the impending entry of Razon-led Prime Infrastructure Holdings Inc. (Prime Infra) in the Malampaya gas-to-power project.

A veteran in the field with a long-term vision for the country’s energy security. This, Senator Win Gatchalian said, should be the qualification of the country's next Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE).