Several legislators on Tuesday pushed to extend the license to explore the Malampaya natural gas field in offshore Palawan province to address the country’s looming energy crisis amid increasing demand and thinning resources.

In the Kapihan ng Samahang Plaridel’s virtual briefing, Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Party-list Rep. Presley de Jesus noted Malampaya’s “vital role in energy security” and natural gas’ affordability and dependability, but asked if its reserves were enough.