PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte issued an order to review and study the possibility of resurrecting the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP).
In Executive Order No. 164 that was signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, the president emphasized the importance of the Philippines having a singular position on the nuclear energy program.
The order aims to assure that there is enough supply of electricity coming from alternative sources of energy such as a nuclear power source in order for the country to achieve its economic growth targets.
The president wants the Philippines to use nuclear power that contributed immensely to the economic growth of other progressive countries.
He assured, however, that the government will abide by the highest international standards with regard to nuclear safety.
The president admitted that it is now high time to look for alternative sources of energy since the continue use of coal-fired power plants has its damaging effects on the environment.
Duterte has already tasked the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-agency Committee to undertake a study and submit a recommendation regarding the possibility of reopening the BNPP and the establishment of other facilities that will serve as sources of nuclear energy.