The mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in Barangay Nagbalayong in Morong, Bataan. (Photo from Palawanderer.net)Â
In a bid to address the country’s energy needs, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (PBBM) has signed into law creating an independent agency that will look into safe use of nuclear energy and radiation sources.Â
The newly signed Republic Act 12305, or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, provides for the establishment of the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM) that will oversee nuclear energy regulation.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), “under the law, PhilATOM will be tasked with protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, issuing licenses for nuclear-related activities and ensuring compliance with international commitments such as those with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
PCO undersecretary Clarissa ‘Claire’ Castro-Seechung assured that the agency will strictly regulate the transport, storage and disposal of radioactive materials as it is mandated to coordinate with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for nuclear emergency preparedness.
Also under the new law are safeguards that prohibit the unauthorized siting, construction, operation, commissioning,m and decommissioning of any nuclear or radiation facility and likewise the acquisition, production, manufacture, import, export, distribution, sale, transfer, use, storage or disposal of nuclear and other radioactive materials, as well as the use of or testing of radiation generators and radioactive waste management activities.
Among the penalties stipulated under RA 12305 are fines of up to ₱100 million and imprisonment.