The House of Representatives has officially passed House Bill No. 9157, also known as the Waste-to-Energy Act, on its third and final reading. With an overwhelming majority of 255 votes in favor, six against, and three abstentions, lawmakers are taking a decisive step toward mitigating the nation’s escalating waste management crisis.
The proposed legislation aims to integrate waste-to-energy technologies into the country’s infrastructure. By converting municipal solid waste into usable electricity or fuel, the government intends to reduce the volume of waste clogging landfills and drainage systems, which has been identified as a significant contributor to the recurring flooding problems in various urban areas.
Proponents of the bill argue that this transition will not only provide a sustainable solution to waste disposal but also contribute to the country's power needs. As the bill moves forward in the legislative process, stakeholders await further deliberation on the implementation standards and environmental safeguards that will govern these new facilities.