Senator Alan Peter Cayetano underscored the potential of nuclear energy in addressing key national challenges, including healthcare, agriculture, energy production, and climate change mitigation.
In his sponsorship speech for the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act (Senate Bill No. 2899), Cayetano emphasized the wide-ranging benefits of nuclear technology when used responsibly.
“Across the globe, nuclear energy has been used for peaceful and beneficial applications contributing to sectors such as medicine, agriculture, industry, and energy production,” the veteran legislator said.
“It plays a vital role in treating diseases, food security, improving crop yield, mitigating the effects of climate change and generating clean, reliable power or electricity.”
“Obvious naman po kung bakit kailangan ang Nuclear Energy Safety Act, It plays a vital role in treating diseases, food security, improving crop yield, mitigating the effects of climate change and generating clean, reliable power or electricity,” the seasoned lawmaker added.
Beyond the economic and environmental benefits, the regulation of nuclear energy holds the promise of a brighter future for generations to come, paving the way for a sustainable and resilient world where clean energy powers our communities and preserves our planet for future generations.
The proposed measure seeks to create the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM), an independent regulatory and quasi-judicial body tasked with ensuring nuclear safety and security.
PhilATOM will be responsible for developing policies, setting safety standards, conducting inspections, and overseeing the transport, storage, and disposal of radioactive materials.
The bill also aims to modernize outdated nuclear energy laws, aligning them with international conventions and standards to ensure safe use of nuclear energy.
“Mag-a-align tayo sa mga international conventions natin. Hindi rin po pwede talaga na ang mga nagpo-promote ng nuclear atomic energy ang siya ring magre-regulate. Aayusin nito ang problemang ‘yan,” the senator said.
He pointed out that the country’s current nuclear energy laws fail to reflect advancements in nuclear technology.
“We don’t always see it or know that it’s there, but we’re not able to harness or ‘di natin naaani ng mabuti.”
“When we talk about atomic, nuclear energy, radiation, nandiyan ‘yan. We don’t always see it or know that it’s there, but we’re not able to harness or ‘di natin naaani ng mabuti,” Cayetano said.
He also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of his fellow senators and experts in drafting the bill, expressing gratitude to Senators Francis Tolentino, Bong Revilla Jr., Chiz Escudero, and Win Gatchalian, as well as Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) Director Dr. Carlo Arcilla.
