A Nation in Transition: Navigating the Philippines' Natural Gas Industry Development in the Age of R

The passage into law of the Natural Gas Industry Development Act (RA 12120) in January 2025 marked a milestone in the Philippines’ journey toward energy security and economic resilience. This landmark law aims to strengthen the development of indigenous natural gas resources and attract investments that will sustain the country's growing energy demand while protecting against geopolitical shocks that impact energy supply and prices.

At the same time, the Philippine Energy Development Plan (PEDP) underscores that clean energy must underpin the nation’s long-term growth. The Philippine Renewable Energy Act (RA 9513), passed in 2008, serves as the country’s legal framework for renewable energy development. 

Across Southeast Asia, the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE) has recognized natural gas as a key enabler of the region’s carbon neutrality aspirations—serving as a bridge fuel that supports energy security while renewable energy capacity scales up. Yet, the questions persist: How can natural gas development truly serve as a bridge—and not a barrier—to a sustainable energy future? How will this new law intersect with the country’s RE law as it rebalances policy, investments, and resources to meet the country’s immediate energy needs?