A member of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Nuclear Energy welcomed President Marcos' call to revisit nuclear energy production as a way to boost the country’s energy security and reduce rising electricity costs.

“The effect of the Middle East conflict to our country only underlines the need to lessen our dependency on oil," Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos said.

"Mahabang usapin pa ang nuclear energy at hindi agad-agad mangyayari, pero malinaw na kailangan nating galugarin ang iba pang alternatibo—hindi lang nuclear, kundi kasama na rin ang solar, wind, geothermal, atbp. sources ng energy,” Bernos noted.

(Nuclear energy remains a long discussion and will not happen immediately, but it is clear that we need to explore other alternatives—not only nuclear, but also solar, wind, geothermal, and other energy sources.)

Bernos said that should the country decide to seriously pursue nuclear energy, the government should not take any shortcuts in the process.

“This is a long-term process, and whatever the Marcos administration starts within the last two years will only be the first step of laying the vast groundwork for nuclear energy utilization. There should be no rush, no shortcuts,” she said.

The Ilocano said that there were complex considerations that need to be addressed even before a physical nuclear reactor becomes operational.

She cited the need to train people for construction, operation, maintenance, and other aspects related to the utilization of nuclear energy, among other concerns.

The lady lawmaker also said that the Philippines will have to consult and closely work with other countries that successfully use nuclear energy.

“We will want to work closely with and learn the best practices from the other countries that have embarked on the same journey to ensure that we avoid any mishaps and tragedies,” she underscored.