Pangasinan town open to hosting nuclear power plant

Town officials here have expressed openness to hosting a nuclear power plant, welcoming the recent enactment of Republic Act 12305 or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act (PhilAtom Law), which ensures the safe and responsible use of nuclear energy in the country.

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Mayor Noel Uson, in a statement on Monday, said they are in full support of nuclear energy utilization in the country.

Vice Mayor Melchora Yaneza said the law would address the concerns regarding nuclear power plants, including safety and security.

“Security measures are essential to manage the risks associated with nuclear technology. So, these are also our considerations,” she said.

She added that 66 percent of the people in Labrador have signed a campaign supporting the construction of a nuclear power plant in exchange for free electricity.

Department of Science and Technology Philippine Nuclear Research Institute director Dr. Carlo Arcilla, in a phone interview on Monday, said the importance of the Republic Act 12305, authored by Pangasinan second district Rep. Mark Cojuangco, is that it establishes an independent regulatory body for nuclear safety.