Isko says no to Bataan Nuclear Power Plant revival

PILAR, Bataan —  Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Wednesday said he is not keen on reviving the controversial Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) if he becomes president, citing safety and environmental risks.

"I don't think that the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant today is suitable for power generation," Moreno said when asked about his stance on the BNPP and its revival in an ambush interview before his motorcade here.

"They have to close it down. Wala na 'yan. Hindi na 'yan safe para sa mga tao. Hindi 'yan safe para sa mga taga Bataan definitely."

(They have to close it down. It's no longer safe for the people. It's not safe for Bataan residents definitely.)

The Manila mayor said the government should prioritize other energy resources before entertaining the idea of nuclear energy.

"Hangga't merong teknolohiya at itong teknolohiya na ito na available na mas less, I'm not saying it’s not harmful, but less na masamang epekto sa kapaligiran, ‘yun muna ang ipra-prayoridad ko," Moreno said.

(As long as there is technology available and this technology is, I’m not saying it’s not harmful, but less harmful to the environment, then that will be my priority.)

Moreno said the country can use inspiration from The Netherlands which he said mostly generates power from renewable sources such as wind, solar energy, and biomass. —KBK, GMA News