Aksyon Demokratiko vice presidential bet Dr. Willie Ong is appealing to the national government to prepare for a radiation emergency amid the continued tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
"In other countries, ready na sila sa nuclear threat: meron silang fallout shelter or basement. Tayo, walang preparation sa ganito. Milyong Pilipino ang pwede mamatay at magkasakit sa radiation poisoning (they are ready for the nuclear threat: they have a fallout shelter or basement. We have no preparation for this. Millions of Filipinos could die and get sick from radiation poisoning)," Ong said in a statement on Wednesday, March 9.
"Why do we need this? With the cold war, there is a small chance of the use of nuclear weapons if the war between Russia and Ukraine escalates. Russia has already taken over the Chernobyl nuclear plant," he added.
The doctor said the country needs to be ready for nuclear fallouts among its regional neighbors that possess active nuclear plants.
Ong noted that some countries have already distributed radiation emergency kits containing potassium iodide tablets, radiation detectors, wipes, and plastic bags.
He also cited the need for the government to buy 130 mg of potassium iodide tablets in preparation for a nuclear fallout.
"Kapag may nuclear explosion, kailangan uminom ng potassium iodide ang bata at matanda sa loob ng apat oras para ma-protect ang thyroid (When there is a nuclear explosion, the children and adults need to drink potassium iodide for four hours to protect the thyroid),” Ong said.