The enactment of a measure that would establish a regulatory framework for nuclear power is expected to ease safety concerns over its use, Senator Win Gatchalian said.

“The way to enhance public confidence in nuclear use is to ensure that mechanisms for its safe utilization are in place. With the measure’s enactment, we are confident that it will address concerns over the risks and hazards of using nuclear power,” said Gatchalian, referring to the recent signing into law of Republic Act 12305, or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, which establishes the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM). Gatchalian is a co-author of the measure.

“The implementation of the measure would hopefully lead to the integration of nuclear power into the country’s energy mix. It will be an additional carbon free source of electricity in the country to meet growing demand,” said Gatchalian.  

“Hindi pa talaga natin nasusubukan ang nuclear technology sa bansa at mahalaga na may institusyon na namamahala para masigurong ligtas ang bawat hakbang na gagawin at maayos ang posibleng paggamit nito,” he added.