Senate approves nuclear energy use bill

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Senate has approved a bill seeking a framework for the “peaceful, secure, and safe” usage of nuclear energy.

Aside from the “comprehensive legal framework” for the use of nuclear energy, the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Bill also sought to establish the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM).

The PhilATOM will assist in developing policies and strategies for safety and security and measures for the control of regulated facilities and activities and exposures from naturally occurring radioactive materials.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros voted no on the bill, while Sen. Loren Legarda abstained.

During the Senate’s second reading on June 4, Legarda asked for assurances the nuclear installations will not damage ecologically-critical areas or undermine climate adaptation goals.

Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Koko Pimentel were designated members of the Senate panel on the bicameral conference committee to reconcile provisions with the counterpart House bill.

The House of Representatives passed its version on final reading in November 2023.

In 2024, the Philippines unveiled its nuclear energy roadmap, aiming to have commercially operational nuclear power plants by 2032, with at least 1,200 megawatts initially entering the power mix to gradually increase to 4,800 megawatts by 2050.