If elected, Marcos-Duterte tandem to expedite adoption of nuclear power in PH

FILE PHOTO: The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) is seen during a media tour around the BNPP compound in Morong town, Bataan province, Philippines September 16, 2016. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco/File Photo

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said they will expedite the adoption of nuclear power in the Philippines if they win the national elections in May.

The tandem made the remark after President Rodrigo Duterte signed an executive order that would pave the way for the government to tap nuclear power as an alternative energy source.

Marcos and Duterte-Carpio said incorporating nuclear power in the Philippines’ energy mix would lower electricity rates and help secure a steady power source.

“The President’s executive order is a good springboard for the next administration to pursue its nuclear energy objectives,” the tandem said in a statement.

“Our vision for the country is to have at least one nuclear power plant so we can finally produce cheap energy and for us to lower our electricity rates,” they added.

Marcos has earlier stressed the need for the country to look into the use of nuclear power, saying the issue should not be politicized.

The presidential candidate has likewise said that the government should study a South Korean firm’s offer to rehabilitate the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP).

“Let’s look at it again. Mayroon tayong BNPP. Mayroon ‘yang tinatawag na mga sister plants kasi Westinghouse ang gumawa dito sa Pilipinas. Mayroon silang ginawa sa Korea na ganun din na pareho,” Marcos said.

“Halos pareho ‘yung design lahat naman ‘yan custom-made pero ‘yung mga basic technologies na gagamitin sa BNPP ginawa nila sa Korea ay napakaganda,” he added.

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