ROUGH SAILING FOR PROJECT SEEN 

TWO Philippine cardinals and 27 other archbishops and bishops from across the country lent their voice to the growing opposition to the construction of a nuclear power plant not only in Pangasinan, but anywhere else in the Philippines.

Cardinal Virgilio David of Kalookan and Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, Cotabato archbishop emeritus, were among newly listed senior Church leaders backing the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan and the Catholic Bishops of the Philippines. In a December 8, 2025 pastoral letter, they strongly opposed plans to build a nuclear power plant in Labrador, Alaminos Diocese, and elsewhere in the country.

There are now a total of 61 church leaders opposing the construction of a nuclear power plant in Labrador and in other parts of the country, based on the list posted by the Church on social media, 33 of them up to December 12 and 29 more as of December 19.

Also included in the list are Rev. Oscar Jaime Florencio, Military Ordinate of the Philippines; Bishop Dennis Vilarojo, Bishop Edwin Panergo of the Diocese of Boac; Rev. Moises Cuevas, Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan; Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon, Diocese of Caceres; Bishop Luisito Occlano, Diocese of Virac; Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr., Diocese of Cubao;

Rev. Honesto Ongtioko, Bishop Emeritus of Cubao; Bishop Marvin Maceda, Diocese of San Jose de Antique; Bishop Antonieto Cabajog, Diocese of Surigao; Bishop Glenn Corsiga, Diocese of Ipil; Bishop Precioso  Cantillas, Diocese of Maasin; Bishop Raul Daep, Diocese of Tandag; Bishop Guillermo Afable, Diocese of Digos; Bishop Jose Rapada III, Diocese of Iligan; Bishop Severo Caermare, Diocese of Dipolog; Archbishop Alberto Uy, Archdiocese of Cebu; and Bishop Cosme Damian Almedilla, Diocese of Butuan.

Meanwhile, Second District Rep. Mark Cojuangco sent photos of his visit to Bishop Jacinto Jose of the Diocese of Urdaneta on Nov, 24, 2025, showing the two engaged in a sincere talk wherein the bishop reportedly assured his support for the construction of a nuclear power plant.

However, Bishop Jose was among the first 33 Catholic leaders listed as in support of the RCALD, Bishops Philippines and Metropolitan Pastoral Letter dated December 8, 2025 opposing the project.

The pastoral letter states: “We, your pastors, write to you today, with profound concern regarding the recent proposal to construct a nuclear power plant in Western Pangasinan. In light of the Church’s moral teachings, the tragic lessons of history, and the urgent call to environmental stewardship articulated by Pope Francis in Laudato Si’, we feel a solemn duty to offer moral guidance on this critical issue.

Meanwhile, a signature campaign endorsing the project is reportedly ongoing in Labrador, personally spearheaded by Mayor Noel Uson, with signatories allegedly promised cheaper electricity and employment once construction begins. (Leonardo Micua)

Dagupan SP joins opposition vs nuclear power plant

THE Sangguniang Panlungsod of Dagupan City has been urged to support 33 archbishops and bishops nationwide who oppose the proposed construction of a nuclear power plant in Labrador town, located just 30 kilometers from the city.

This appeal was made by Councilor Jose Netu Tamayo, a lawyer, during a privilege speech in which he expressed his personal backing for the stance taken by Catholic Church leaders from initially 33 archdioceses and dioceses throughout the Philippines.

Tamayo called on his fellow council members to align with the Catholic Church’s position, arguing against the suitability of a nuclear facility in Pangasinan, especially in disaster-prone Labrador, which is frequently affected by typhoons and earthquakes.

He cited data from the Pangasinan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), noting Labrador’s proximity to the potentially active Zambales Fault, which poses significant risks in the event of an earthquake, jeopardizing the safety of residents in both Pangasinan and Dagupan.

“We must consider the potential dangers a nuclear power plant could pose to our communities, as well as to the land and sea that sustain their livelihoods,” Tamayo stated.

In the meantime, Labrador’s town officials are leading a signature campaign to assess public sentiment regarding the nuclear power plant proposal. So far, the issue is nearly evenly split on the matter.

Some signatories reportedly received promises of employment upon the plant’s construction, although the sources of funding and the entity responsible for its construction remain unclear.

Others were told to benefit from cheaper electricity once the plant is fully operating. (Leonardo Micua)