Pushing to develop alternative energy sources in the country, presidential candidate Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson Sr. has claimed that the Philippines is the top biomass producer.
This needs context.
STATEMENT
Asked how he would deal with the frequent oil price hikes to protect consumers against spiraling prices of basic commodities, Lacson, in a March 24 press conference, said:
“‘Yung ating biomass, tayo ang No. 1 producer ng biomass; 1.3% lang ang naha-harness natin. Kailangan dugtong-dugtong ito, [‘yung] research and development, pondohan natin, dagdagan natin ng pera para makapag-research.”
([W]e are the No. 1 producer of biomass; we’re able to harness only 1.3%. It should be comprehensive … research and development, we should provide funds, give more money for research.)
Source: Ping Lacson Official Facebook Page, #TuloyAngLaban, March 24, 2022, watch from 37:24 to 37:36
FACT
Because Lacson did not cite a geographical basis for the country’s “top” ranking in biomass production, VERA Files Fact Check gathered data on the biomass production of countries in Southeast Asia (SEA).
A cursory search would show that the Philippines is the second largest biomass producer, at least among five SEA countries that have available data on biomass production.
Read the full story on VERA Files Fact Check.
