FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe welcomed the ongoing local developments with nuclear energy, as he underlined its potential impact, particularly in the power sector.

Poe--during the Committee on Appropriations' budget hearing with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Wednesday, Aug. 27--noted that electricity costs in the Philippines remain among the highest in Asia. He says this weighs heavily on both industries and households.

“Energy costs in the Philippines are among the highest in Asia. Exploring nuclear—alongside renewables—offers us a path to reliable and affordable power. If we want industries to grow and rural communities to have steady electricity, we cannot ignore this option,” Poe said.

He added that small modular reactors (SMRs)--a technology already being explored in other countries--could be a game-changer for the Philippines. These could provide affordable and safe energy solutions to remote and underserved areas.

For Poe, nuclear technology represents not just an energy alternative, but also a matter of national innovation and sovereignty.

“From nuclear medicine that saves patients to nuclear energy that lowers bills, the benefits are clear. These are investments that directly impact the lives of ordinary Filipinos. My office is ready to work with DOST to make sure these programs get the support they need,” said the vice chairman of the appropriations panel.

Poe also underscored that budget hearings play an important role in surfacing high-impact but often overlooked programs, such as the nuclear medicine initiative.

“If not for these hearings, many of our colleagues would not even know that such life-changing research is already being funded,” he said.