CEBU CITY -- Pangasinan 2nd District Representative Mark Cojuangco seeks to integrate nuclear energy in the country’s national energy and development plan through his proposed House Bill # 8567 which prescribes incentives for the integration of nuclear energy into the country's electricity sector and outlining funding mechanisms and policy direction to accelerate the development of nuclear power, positioning it as a cornerstone of a more secure, stable, and economically resilient energy system.
"For decades, we have relied on energy sources that leave us vulnerable to global shocks and volatile prices. If we are serious about securing a stable and affordable energy future, we must take a clear and deliberate path forward. Nuclear energy must not be just an option; it is a necessity," said Cojuangco in a media briefing, April 24 at the Golden Peak Hotel, Cebu City.
He said that the proposal builds on the country's efforts to establish a strong nuclear regulatory framework following the enactment of the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilAtom) Act. While PhilAtom laid the foundation for the safe and secure use of nuclear energy, this measure marks the next critical step, shifting from readiness to implementation.
The proposal comes at a critical time, as instability in global oil markets continues to expose the Philippines' heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. Rising fuel costs are already driving up electricity prices, transportation expenses, and the cost of basic goods, posing risks to both economic growth and household welfare.
The proposed bill introduces targeted incentives and enabling financing structures and the bill aims to ensure that nuclear energy projects can be pursued efficiently and at scale, making it a viable long-term solution to the country's energy challenges, he added.
The measure also highlights the Philippines' untapped nuclear assets, including the Philippine Nuclear Power Plant (PNPP), a fully constructed and previously tested facility. According to Cojuangco, these assets represent not just sunk costs, but strategic opportunities to deliver affordable and reliable electricity.
"We are sitting on valuable infrastructure that can significantly lower electricity costs and reduce our dependence on imported fuels. The question is no longer whether nuclear energy is viable. It is whether we are willing to act," he added.
Cojuangco also emphasized that nuclear energy offers a unique advantage by providing consistent baseload power without greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike intermittent renewable sources that require backup systems, nuclear energy can operate independently, ensuring stability in the country's power supply while supporting long-term sustainability goals.
He added that with nuclear energy, the cost of electricity per kilowatt hour can be reduced to only PhP5.00/kwh. According to Meralco, the current electricity rate stands at PhP 13.82 per kwh, emphasizing that this reduction will impact the lives of every Filipino because it will mean that the household budget can be diverted to other essential expenses.
The bill also underscores the broader economic impact of adopting nuclear energy. By reducing reliance on imported coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG), the Philippines stands to save billions in foreign exchange while lowering electricity costs for businesses and households, enhancing competitiveness, attracting investments, and creating opportunities for jobs development.
"What we are seeing today is a clear reminder that our current energy system is not built for resilience. Nuclear energy provides a clean, cheap, and reliable solution that supports both economic growth and environmental sustainability. We cannot afford to wait for another crisis before making the right decision. If we want to build a stronger, more independent Philippines, we must invest in solutions that will stand the test of time,” said Alpas Pinas Lead Convenor Gayle Certez.
Certez added that the need for decisive action
has never been clearer. Nuclear energy is not just about powering homes; it is
about empowering a nation. (Photos: MBCNewman)
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