Palace: Nuclear energy initiative being studied, will not push through if risky

While the government continues to study the production of nuclear energy, Malacañang on Wednesday assured the public that it will not push through with the initiative if it would endanger public safety.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Department of Energy, through the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee, is looking into the initiative.

“They must comply with the safety, security, and safeguards requirements that are aligned with those of the International Atomic Energy Agency,” Castro told reporters in Filipino.

“The government and the administration will not proceed if doing so would put our fellow Filipinos in danger or create an unsafe situation or condition, because the President’s foremost priority is the safety of our fellow Filipinos,” she added.

During his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said it is time to revisit nuclear energy production, as he touted some 200 energy projects in the pipeline in a bid to boost the country’s power supply and bring down power rates.

Rocket launch

Meanwhile, Castro called those who are apprehensive of the government’s plan to conduct a rocket launch test in 2027 to not be a hindrance to progress.

“Those who are raising their eyebrows should lower them. What we should uphold and elevate are the President’s aspirations for the country and for the Filipino people. Don’t be obstacles to the President’s vision for the country’s progress,” she added.

During his SONA, Marcos announced that the government is planning to conduct a rocket launch test in Cagayan in 2027.

Following this, Senator Robin Padilla delivered a Kontra-SONA where he appealed for the administration to prioritize programs targeted at improving electricity supply and public transportation instead of launching a rocket into space.

Castro also said the government is still addressing other issues.

Subsidization

Meanwhile, when asked about the government’s readiness to shoulder costs, Castro said it has yet to discuss the subsidization of electric cooperatives.

“Sa pag subsidize, hindi siya napaguusapan,” Castro said.

(Subsidization is not being talked about.)

This came after Marcos called on Congress to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act to put a stop to system loss charges, including an accompanying value-added tax (VAT), from being passed on to consumers.

Castro said that utility companies must look into ways to prevent losses. — RSJ, GMA News