Philippines Eyes Nuclear Energy, Safety Paramount for Initiative

The Philippine government is studying the potential of nuclear energy as part of its efforts to diversify future energy supply. However, officials emphasized that public safety remains the top priority, and the initiative will not proceed unless it meets the safety, security, and safeguards requirements set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro stated that the Department of Energy, through the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee, is looking into the initiative. "The government and the administration will not proceed if doing so would put our fellow Filipinos in danger or create an unsafe situation or condition, because the President’s foremost priority is the safety of our fellow Filipinos," Castro told reporters. President Ferdinand Marcos, in his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), had previously stated that it is time to revisit nuclear energy production, as he touted around 200 energy projects in the pipeline aimed at boosting the country's power supply and bringing down power rates. Meanwhile, the government's plan to conduct a rocket launch test in Cagayan in 2027 was also mentioned. Castro urged those apprehensive about the plan not to hinder progress. In response, Senator Robin Padilla delivered a "Kontra-SONA" (Counter-SONA), appealing for the administration to prioritize programs aimed at improving electricity supply and public transportation over launching a rocket into space. Regarding subsidies for electric cooperatives, Castro stated that it has not yet been discussed. This comes after President Marcos called on Congress to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) to prevent system loss charges and their accompanying value-added tax (VAT) from being passed on to consumers. She added that utility companies must look into ways to prevent losses. Source: GMA News Philippines