Is PH ready for future use of nuclear energy? Solon says yes
At A Glance
- Camarines Sur 2nd district Rep. LRay Villafuerte is insisting that the Philippines is ready for the future use of nuclear energy, which is being touted as a sustainable and clean energy source.
Camarines Sur 2nd district Rep. LRay Villafuerte (Facebook)
A lawmaker is insisting that the Philippines is ready for the future use of nuclear energy, which is being touted as a sustainable and clean energy source.
Camarines Sur 2nd district Rep. LRay Villafuerte said two requisites are present in House Bill (HB) No. 9293, which would help pave the way for the safe harnessing of nuclear energy.
“The development by the NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) of a national emergency plan for potential nuclear or radiological emergencies plus the establishment of separate funds for the final disposition of SNF (spent nuclear fuel) and the eventual decommissioning of would-be nuclear power facilities are on the must-do list of HB 9293 for our safe and secure use of atomic energy,” said Villafuerte in a statement on Wednesday, Dec. 6.
Also known as the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, HB No.9293 was recently approved by the House of Representatives on third and final reading.
The bill aims to establish a legal framework to govern and make possible the safe use of nuclear energy for future commercial requirements.
“Once approved by the 19th Congress and signed into law by President Marcos, this measure will clear the way to the safe use of nuclear or atomic power for our household and commercial or industrial power requirements, in step with the Marcos administration’s long-term strategy to spell energy security while steadily weaning our country away from fossil fuel and reducing our carbon footprint,” Villafuerte said.
The lawmaker say this landmark measure marks the “first step” towards achieving Marcos’ vision for energy security.
After the bill's enactment,, the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM) will be created and tasked to oversee all regulatory functions concerning nuclear energy and radiation.
Among PhilATOM’s functions is to draw up with the NDRRMC a national emergency plan to be used when responding to potential nuclear or radiological emergencies.
This plan shall include an allocation of responsibilities and actions among relevant governmental and non-governmental bodies, along with arrangements for communications and public information. --Dexter Barro II