Town officials here have expressed openness to hosting a nuclear power plant, welcoming the recent enactment of Republic Act 12305 or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act (PhilAtom Law), which ensures the safe and responsible use of nuclear energy in the country.

Mayor Noel Uson, in a statement on Monday, said they are in full support of nuclear energy utilization in the country.

Vice Mayor Melchora Yaneza said the law would address the concerns regarding nuclear power plants, including safety and security.

“Security measures are essential to manage the risks associated with nuclear technology. So, these are also our considerations,” she said.

She added that 66 percent of the people in Labrador have signed a campaign supporting the construction of a nuclear power plant in exchange for free electricity.

Department of Science and Technology Philippine Nuclear Research Institute director Dr. Carlo Arcilla, in a phone interview on Monday, said the importance of the Republic Act 12305, authored by Pangasinan second district Rep. Mark Cojuangco, is that it 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,” he said.

He added that there is a need for safeguards to ensure that nuclear materials are not used for terrorism and the manufacturing of nuclear weapons.

“When you start making a nuclear power plant, there has to be protection of the materials, protection of the public. So, it has special conditions. The International Atomic Energy Agency, for the past 60 years, they have compiled the best practices on how to make sure that nuclear plants are safe. So, if you’re going to make a law, you have to follow the guidance that’s been given. The ones who will implement are the regulator,” he said.

The law will create the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory and Safety Authority (PhilATOM), which will serve as the independent regulator of all nuclear and radiation activities in the country, ensuring compliance with the highest international standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Arcilla said PhilATOM will only give two licenses to nuclear plants.

“One, license to construct. So, you have to satisfy all of the safety issues. After you construct, license to operate. Are you ready to operate it? Consistently and safely according to standards,” he said.

Cojuangco, in a separate statement, said the law is the first step towards cheaper, clean, and reliable electricity source.

“Ito ay magdudulot ng annual national savings worth billions of dollars dahil kung magkakaroon tayo ng nuclear energy, mababawasan ang pag-angkat ng coal at mula sa ibang bansa. Bukod dito, 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 (This will cause annual national savings worth billions of dollars because if we will have nuclear energy, coal importation from other countries will be lessened. Aside from this, we are gearing towards fossil fuel independence, creation of more jobs, and hopefully will end poverty in our country as I believe nuclear energy is the answer to the annual energy crisis in the country,” he said.

The PhilAtom Law will also act as the Philippines’ official point of contact for nuclear and radiological emergencies, strengthening ties with global partners and boosting the country’s standing as a credible, responsible nuclear nation. (PNA)