Labrador town officials have welcomed the enactment of Republic Act 12305, the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act (PhilAtom Law), expressing openness to hosting a nuclear power plant that ensures safe and responsible use of nuclear energy.
Mayor Noel Uson said the local government fully supports nuclear energy utilization in the country. Vice Mayor Melchora Yaneza added that the law addresses safety and security concerns.
“Security measures are essential to manage the risks associated with nuclear technology. So, these are also our considerations,” Yaneza said, noting that 66 percent of Labrador residents have signed a campaign supporting the plant in exchange for free electricity.
Dr. Carlo Arcilla, director of the DOST Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, highlighted that the law establishes an independent regulatory body for nuclear safety.
“So, it means that the regulator’s job is to make sure that the construction, the site, the operation, the commission, and the waste are properly safe. Actually, safety, security, and safeguards,” Arcilla said, emphasizing safeguards to prevent nuclear materials from being used for terrorism or weapons.
The law will create the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory and Safety Authority (PhilATOM), which will regulate all nuclear and radiation activities in the country, ensuring compliance with IAEA standards. Arcilla explained that PhilATOM will issue only two licenses per nuclear plant: one to construct and another to operate safely.
Authored by Pangasinan Rep. Mark Cojuangco, the law aims to provide a cheaper, clean, and reliable electricity source.
“Ito ay magdudulot ng annual national savings worth billions of dollars… tayo ay patungo sa ganap na fossil fuel independence, sa pagkakaroon ng marami at magagandang trabaho, at nawa’y matuldukan natin ang kahirapan sa bansa dahil naniniwala ako na nuclear energy ang sagot sa taon-taon nating pagkakaroon ng energy crisis,” Cojuangco said.
The PhilAtom Law will also serve as the Philippines’ official contact point for nuclear and radiological emergencies, strengthening international cooperation and positioning the country as a credible, responsible nuclear nation.