By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang on Wednesday assured the public that the government will not pursue nuclear energy unless it fully meets international safety, security, and regulatory standards, following renewed debate after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. revived plans to include nuclear power in the country’s long-term energy mix during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Palace Press Officer and Undersecretary Claire Castro acknowledged public concerns over nuclear energy and stressed that safety remains the administration’s top priority.
Usec. Castro said President Marcos Jr. had also raised the issue during his bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting that explaining nuclear energy safety is not easy.
She expounded in a Palace briefing, “Hindi madali na ipaliwanag ang safety ng nuclear energy. At sinisigurado naman po na kapag ito ay pinasok natin, ang pag-aaral na ito ay dapat na kumpleto at ang mga polisiya na gagamitin dito ay hindi po itatago sa inyo.”
She said the Department of Energy (DOE), through the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC), continues a whole-of-government approach to prepare the country for possible nuclear power development.
Usec. Castro added that the government will ensure full compliance with the International Atomic Energy Agency’s safety, security, and safeguards requirements.
“So, hindi po susuong ang ating pamahalaan, ang administrasyon, kung ito po ay magpu-put in danger ang ating mga kababayan… kasi ang inuuna po ng Pangulo at ng administrasyon ay ang safety ng ating mga kababayan.”
The assurance followed concerns from some lawmakers and netizens over the administration’s renewed push for nuclear energy, citing past nuclear accidents and the potential cost of developing nuclear facilities.
In his SONA on Monday, President Marcos Jr. identified nuclear power as a long-term solution to ensure a stable and affordable energy supply amid rising electricity demand, economic growth, and the country’s reliance on imported oil. (PNA)
