Senator Sherwin Gatchalian emphasized the necessity of a regulatory framework for nuclear energy on Thursday, highlighting its importance for safety, sustainability, and addressing concerns regarding its potential domestic use.
“A comprehensive regulatory framework is important given the country’s growing energy demand, a portion of which could be met by nuclear energy,” he stated.
As the vice chair of the Senate Committee on Energy and one of the authors of Senate Bill 2899, Gatchalian noted that the bill, which proposes the establishment of a Philippine Atomic Regulatory Authority, successfully passed its third and final reading on Monday.
He explained that the new agency “will have regulatory control over all sources of ionizing radiation, including nuclear and radioactive materials and radiation devices.” The proposed measure outlines penalties for unauthorized handling or misuse of nuclear materials, prioritizing public health, safety, and environmental protection while ensuring compliance with international standards to bolster public confidence.
“By establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for nuclear technology, we can ensure the safe use of nuclear energy and gain public trust in it,” Gatchalian added.
Currently, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute serves as the country’s nuclear regulatory authority, overseeing research and development in nuclear sciences and technology.