Philippine House Passes Bill to Establish Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority

Manila – In a significant legislative development, the House of Representatives has passed a bill aimed at promoting the safe use of nuclear energy in the Philippines. The bill, which was approved in its third and final reading, calls for the creation of the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM).

According to Philippines News Agency, House Bill 9293, or the proposed Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, received the support of 200 lawmakers, with seven voting against and two abstaining. The bill outlines a comprehensive legal framework for nuclear safety, security, and safeguards in the peaceful utilization of nuclear energy in the country. The PhilATOM will have exclusive jurisdiction to regulate the safe and secure uses of nuclear energy and radiation sources in the Philippines, marking a pivotal move towards energy security. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of seriously considering nuclear energy as a component of the country’s energy strategy.

Special Committee on Nuclear Energy Chairperson and Pangasinan Rep. Mark Cojuangco emphasized the importance of establishing an independent regulatory body. This separation is crucial to ensure that regulatory judgments and enforcement actions are free from promotional, political, and economic influences that might conflict with safety. The proposed law is seen as a key facilitator of economic development and proper utilization of nuclear energy, leading to cost-effective, dependable, and clean electricity. Cojuangco added that the enactment of this law would enable the Philippines to comply with international obligations related to nuclear energy use, as recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The PhilATOM will take over all regulatory tasks currently managed by the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, including developing national policies for controlling regulated activities and facilities. Additionally, the bill proposes the establishment of a radioactive waste management fund for the final disposition of spent nuclear fuel and a decommissioning fund for nuclear power plants, both to be managed by the Development Bank of the Philippines.