Gatchalian says PHL lacks legal framework for nuclear power
May 17, 2018 | 9:47 pm

Bataan Nuclear Power Plant control unit
The control unit of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in Morong, Bataan -- BW FILE PHOTO
THE PHILIPPINES lacks the legal framework for the inclusion of nuclear power into its energy mix, a senator said on Thursday, adding that comprehensive legislation governing use of the technology must first be passed.

“There is a wide range of issues that we need to explore and thresh out before we can accurately measure the true potential of nuclear technology as an alternative energy source in the Philippines,” said Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian in a statement.

The senator, who also heads the Senate’s energy committee, said the country has a lot to learn from advanced countries on the development of nuclear technology.

 

Mr. Gatchalian participated earlier this month in a study tour covering the current nuclear technologies of certain European countries.

He said should the country decide to add nuclear power to the energy mix, a comprehensive legal framework would first need to be drafted to settle a number of issues, like the structure and powers of the regulatory body; licensing, inspection, and enforcement; and radiation protection.

He added the legal framework should also tackle issues like sources of radiation and radioactive material; safety of nuclear facilities; emergency preparedness and response; transport of radioactive material; radioactive waste and spent fuel; nuclear liability and coverage; nonproliferation and physical protection; export and import controls; and physical protection.

“All of the gaps in our nuclear energy legal framework would first need to be addressed by passing comprehensive legislation,” Mr. Gatchalian said.

The country’s only existing nuclear energy body is the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute under the Department of Science and Technology. Its functions center on radiation and nuclear research and development.

Mr. Gatchalian said the Philippines has yet to ratify “three key international nuclear conventions.” He identified these as the Convention on Nuclear Safety, the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, and the amendment to the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material.

“A strong national framework on nuclear power must be compliant with international standards on safety, security, safeguards, and liability,” he said. — Victor V. Saulon


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