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;

WHEREAS, Section 4 of Presidential Decree No. 87, as amended, otherwise known as the "Oil Exploration and Development Act of 1972", mandates the Philippine Government 9the "Government") to directly explore for and produce indigenous petroleum;