WHEREAS, pursuant to Article XII, Section 2, of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, all forces of potential energy and other natural resources within the Philippine territory belong to the State and their exploration, development and utilization shall be under the full control of the State;

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 7638, as amended, otherwise known as the "Department of Energy Act of 1992," mandates the DOE to prepare, integrate, coordinate, supervise and control all plans, programs, projects and activities of the Government relative to energy exploration, development, utilization, distribution and conservation, among others;