Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito on Wednesday called on the Department of Energy to fulfill the Philippines' commitment to clean renewable energy as countries scramble to lower their carbon emissions and lessen their contribution to global warming.

During the Commission on Appointments' hearing on the appointment of Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Ejercito said expanding the Philippines' renewable energy portfolio and reducing the country's dependence on coal can mitigate the impacts of global warming, which he described as "clear and present danger."

"We want to minimize the effect of global warming, because as of now, heat waves, melting glaciers, droughts, flooding in areas that don't (usually) flood," said the senator.

"Areas that don't usually experience rain are now experiencing heavy rainfall. I think this is a clear and present danger that is facing not only our country but the world," he added.

Ejercito stressed that one of the biggest contributors to global warming is the greenhouse effect which came from carbon dioxide emissions.

"One of the biggest contributors to the greenhouse effect is the emission coming from the coal plants," Ejercito said.

Lotilla, on the other hand, supported Ejercito's claims, adding that his agency is committed to meeting the country's targets for renewable energy and the reduction of its carbon emissions.

"This concern of yours is something we share and therefore we are committed to meet the targets of 35 percent of renewable energy by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040," Lotilla said.