‘Bistek’ vows to create cheap, renewable energy laws
UNITEAM senatorial candidate Herbert “Bistek” Bautista has laid out plans to craft laws to tap more renewable, but cheaper energy sources to create more jobs in the agricultural sector which, he said, would be a key to Philippine progress.
Bautista said he had been to several provinces, like Ilocos Norte, where people, mainly farmers, are still having a hard time accessing power and water supplies.
“Many communities in the interior are still without water supply,” said Bautista, former mayor of Quezon City for three terms.
“So these are the things that are being looked at and see what could be done,” he added.
According to Bautista, building more dams, or water retention areas could provide irrigation for more farmers.
“And then, eventually there will be job opportunities for all,” said Bautista, who is running for senator under the BBM (Bongbong Marcos)-Sara ticket on a platform of “Internet reform, Livelihood for all and Youth development (ILY)”, and “Pagkain para sa Pamilyang Pilipino”.
He said dams can support power generation. “The more stable our power is and prices are low, more businesses would be set up,” said Bautista.
“Many businesses would be built, many would be given jobs,” he said.
He said this was also one way for the Philippines to recover economically from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The need for cheaper, renewable sources of energy is highlighted by the Philippines having one of the highest power rates in Asia, according to Bautista.
“It’s not very attractive for foreign investments,” the UniTeam senatorial candidate added.
“If we can lower it to a certain degree that is acceptable to foreign investors and our people, there’ll be more opportunities for investment. And more opportunities for investment mean more jobs for our people,” Bautista pointed out.
