Cojuangco lauds passage of PhilAtom Law
A ‘MILESTONE FOR NUCLEAR ENERGY’
SECOND District Rep. Mark Cojuangco hailed the signing of Republic Act 12305, or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act (PhilAtom Law), calling it a “historic milestone” for the country’s energy future.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed the measure into law on September 18, creating the country’s first comprehensive framework for the safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Under the law, the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory and Safety Authority (PhilATOM) will be established as an independent regulator overseeing all nuclear and radiation activities.
PhilATOM will ensure strict compliance with international standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and serve as the country’s point of contact during nuclear or radiological emergencies.
Cojuangco, who has championed nuclear energy for more than two decades, said the law will help the Philippines cut reliance on imported coal and Liquefied Natural Gas, lower electricity costs, create jobs, and move toward fossil fuel independence.
In a statement in Filipino, he said the measure will translate to billions of dollars in savings, and cheaper, more reliable electricity.
He also rallied the Department of Energy to act fast on the shift towards nuclear energy adoption.
Public sentiment has also shifted in favor of nuclear power. A Social Weather Stations survey conducted in May 2024 showed a 66% national net approval rating for nuclear energy, up from 62% in 2019. (Eva Visperas)
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