SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - The Philippines and the United States have signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement, known as the 123 Agreement, on Friday (Manila time). This landmark agreement will enable the transfer of US-origin nuclear technology to the Philippines, fostering the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
According to Philippines News Agency, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Raphael Lotilla and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed the agreement on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Partnership (APEC) Summit, with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink in attendance. Lotilla emphasized the agreement's adherence to International Atomic Energy Agency standards and President Marcos Jr.'s role in facilitating the negotiations. The DOE stated that the agreement allows for the transfer of information, nuclear material, equipment, and components for potential nuclear power projects with US providers. The agreement also supports a range of peaceful atomic energy applications, contributing to various Sustainable Development Goals. Blinken noted that the agreement's negotiation, initiated during US Vice President Kamala Harris's visit to Manila in November 2022, was the fastest of its kind. He highlighted President Marcos's goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing renewable energy production in the Philippines. The US Department of State, which leads the negotiations for such agreements, will now submit it to Congress for review. The agreement is governed by Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, which stipulates specific criteria for peaceful uses and security of nuclear materials.