House approves creation of PhilAtom on final reading

A proposed bill seeking to create the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilAtom) and a legal framework that will facilitate the country’s foray into nuclear energy was passed in the House of Representatives on Wednesday. 

With 200 affirmative votes, seven negative, and two abstentions, lawmakers approved on the third and final reading proposed House Bill (HB) No. 9293 or the "Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act”. 

"The PhilATOM shall have sole and exclusive jurisdiction to exercise regulatory control for the peaceful, safe, and secure uses of nuclear energy and radiation sources in the Philippines," said Speaker Martin Romualdez in a statement.

"This is the first step toward realizing our dream of energy security. We share this bold but promising vision of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. to look into nuclear energy seriously," he said. 

Once enacted, all regulatory functions of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) would be transferred to PhilATOM.

The regulatory body will also be tasked to assist the government in developing national policies and measures for controlling regulated activities and facilities and issue regulations, standards, and guidelines necessary to implement the law. 

It will also be mandated to maintain a national register of radiation sources and to inspect, monitor, and assess facilities and activities to verify compliance with the proposed measure.

The passage of the proposed measure came following the United States and the Philippines signing the landmark "123 Agreement" that would allow Washington D.C. to export nuclear technology and materials to Manila, which is exploring nuclear power in its bid to decarbonize and boost energy independence.

In his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) last year, Marcos expressed his desire to adopt nuclear energy as part of the country’s power mix, but said the government’s strategy needs to be looked at once more.

“I believe it is time to re-examine our strategy towards building nuclear power plants in the Philippines,” Marcos said back in July. 

“At present, our demand for energy far exceeds our reliable supply. We must increase the level of energy production... We must look at every possible option that would be appropriate for the Philippine situation,” he added.

During his state visit to Washington in May,  Marcos met with officials of Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation, a US-based firm global leader and vertical integrator of nuclear technologies and services.

“Our search for new power sources should always be with an eye to improving the energy supply mix between traditional and renewable sources,” Marcos said during his SONA. 

The PNRI welcomed the civil nuclear cooperation talks between the Philippines and the US. 

No vote

In voting no, Bataan 2nd District Rep. Albert Garcia said the proposed bill is "anchored on wrong assumptions".

"Magpakatotoo po tayo. Kung may panganib, wag nating sabihin na ligtas. Kung walang solution ang nuclear waste, wag nating sabihin na meron na. Kung mas mahal, wag nating sabihin na mura...Ito pong bill na ito ay nakabase sa maling akala. Therefore, I vote no," he said.   

(We should be truthful. If it is dangerous, let us not say it is safe. If the nuclear solution has no solution, let us not say it has. If it is more expensive, let us not say it is cheaper. This bill is anchored on wrong assumptions so I vote no.)

Incidentally, country’s only nuclear power plant, the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, is located in Garcia’s province. The facility was completed but never fueled and was mothballed due to health and safety concerns.—RF, GMA Integrated News