Gatchalian urges DOE to make nuclear power study available to public

FILE PHOTO: Sherwin Gatchalian. Senate PRIB

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday said the Department of Energy’s (DOE) study on nuclear power should be made available to the public for transparency.

In a statement, Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate committee on energy, noted that transparency is the most important factor in any discussion on nuclear power.

“The Senate has funded the Department of Energy’s nuclear research and feasibility study amounting to P266 million since 2018. This study should be made public in order for the Filipino people to understand the risks and benefits of nuclear power injected into our energy mix,” he noted.

“Transparency is key in building the confidence of the public on the use of this complex source of power,” he added.

The senator made this recommendation after President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 164 that would allow the government to tap nuclear power as an alternative energy source.

Meanwhile, Gatchalian also noted that there is not enough time to pass any nuclear power-related laws since the 18th Congress only has six session days left. He pointed out that establishing nuclear power entails numerous legislation and policies to ensure the safety of the public.

The senator also urged the next administration to continue doing scientific-based research and studies to see if the benefits of nuclear power outweigh the risks. Jericho Zafra, INQUIRER.net trainee

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JPV