Duterte wants adequate security measures in place before considering nuclear program

By Genalyn Kabiling – 29 April 2018
from Manila Bulletin

President Duterte wants to ensure that adequate security measures are in place before considering a nuclear energy program in the country.

The President made the remarks amid reports that the Department of Energy (DOE) has presented a nuclear energy policy proposal to the Palace.

“Let us listen first before we cock and load our guns there. Tingnan muna natin how safe. Number one is safety,” he said during a Palace press briefing.

“If it falls down to it, one to six, ang safety is only about three and four, forget it. I want eight to nine,” he said.

The energy department reportedly submitted to the President a proposal to tap nuclear energy as an alternative source of energy in the country. Once approved by the President, the DOE plans to take the implementation and procurement process.

The proposed policy would impact the fate of the mothballed Bataan nuclear power plant as well as explore the possible use of nuclear energy as power resource in other provinces.

In 2016 Duterte gave his consent only to a feasibility study on the proposed revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP). He said any proposal to use nuclear energy must be thoroughly studied by Congress and the people. Tight safeguards must also be set in place to prevent nuclear meltdowns that harm public safety and health, he added.