Batasan people reel from warmer temperature as House adopts energy-saving measures

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The House implements energy-saving measures, such as setting the thermostat higher or completely turning off the AC

On regular days, employees and reporters in the House of Representatives wear jackets and other warm clothing to endure freezing temperatures — even during the summer — caused by fully functioning air-conditioning units.

As the country reels from the oil and energy crisis, however, even the House is not spared by energy-saving measures, resulting in uncharacteristically warmer conditions.

So…. Is there no AC?

The House disseminated its cost-cutting initiatives in mid-March, just before it went on a two-month break.

The short-term measures include a hybrid work setup during the recess, cost efficiency in food provision during meetings and cancellations if necessary, minimal use of elevators, and selective ceiling lighting.

The House has also suspended requests for the use of official House vehicles, and has even installed dedicated bike racks to encourage employees to bike to work.

Additionally, air-conditioning units, known to be top energy consumers, have been regulated.

AC units in lobbies, unoccupied rooms, and low-traffic areas must be turned off at all times. When they are turned on in essential areas, the thermostat must be standardized at 24 degrees Celsius.

ENERGY-SAVING. House reporters covering the hearing on the oil energy crisis in Batasang Pambansa make do with higher thermostat on a summer day in April 2026.

There were hundreds of people in Batasang Pambansa’s People’s Center Building on Wednesday, April 8, as numerous committees, led by the ways and means panel, conducted a hearing on the oil and energy situation in the Philippines. Numerous government agency representatives were present to brief lawmakers.

Even the committee chairperson took notice of the warm conditions.

“For the record, as you can feel, the temperature here is more than 24 degrees, in consonance with the call of the government to conserve energy. Parang 28 degrees ata dito (It feels like 28 degrees Celsius here),” Marikina 2nd District Representative Miro Quimbo, who presided over the hearing, quipped.

Now that they’ve done the bare minimum, lawmakers should hurry up in crafting a relief package to help millions of Filipinos impacted by the rising prices of fuel and other basic goods. – Rappler.com