Ferdinand R.
The Philippines National Nuclear Energy Safety Act No. 12305, signed on September 18, creates the Philippines Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (Philatom), an independent quasi-judicial body responsible for overseeing all nuclear and radiation activities in the country.
By law, Philatom will hold sole exclusive jurisdiction over the Philippines’ specifications for nuclear energy and radiation sources to ensure its peaceful, safe and secure use.
The new agency will consolidate the regulatory functions of other agencies and become the official counterpart of the country’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Its leadership will be appointed by the President as Director General for five years, supported by four deputy director generals, who are also appointed by the President.
Philatom will have the authority to develop implementation rules, safety standards and guidelines and enforce them through inspections, notices of violations and penalties.
It may also suspend, modify or revoke the authorization in the event of non-compliance with the law or regulations.
This new measure affirms the Government’s commitment to promoting peaceful, safe and safe use of atomic energy to promote national interests in areas such as power generation, healthcare, scientific research, agriculture, industry and education.
At the same time, it strictly prohibits military or non-Siviria applications, expressly indicating that nuclear energy can only be used for peaceful purposes and that any facilities or activities related to nuclear weapons, radiological dispersion devices or other non-sympathetic uses are expressly prohibited.
The Republic Act No. 12305 authorizes all authorizations for nuclear-related projects, including the construction, operation, commissioning and decommissioning of nuclear or radiation facilities and their related activities.
To strengthen preparations for nuclear or radiological emergencies, the law requires the development of a national response plan (integrated into the framework of the National Disaster Risk and Management Commission) to mitigate the impact of events inside and outside the Philippine territory.
Under the IAEA safeguards agreement and other agreements, the country’s commitments are consistent and the law requires supervision of all nuclear activities.
Philatom is tasked with creating a national registry of radioactive waste and spending, covering regulation, documentation and long-term oversight of disposal sites.
Power Hybrid
The Ministry of Energy (DOE) expects the measure to help integrate nuclear energy into the national power portfolio.
“The adoption of RA 12305 strengthens the regulatory framework that will enable the country to use the safe and safe use of nuclear energy. The law aligns nuclear regulation with the latest International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards and global best practices,” Energy Minister Sharon S. Garin said in a statement Thursday.
The U.S. Department of Energy said that the creation of philosophy is to “ensure that all aspects of nuclear energy infrastructure, such as site selection, construction, licensing, safety and ultimate operations are thoroughly and effectively regulated by competent authorities.”
Nuclear power generation will continue to be subject to the Electricity Industry Reform Act and under supervision of the Ministry of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission.
The Philippines has been elected to the Board of Directors of the International Trade Organization (IAEA), a organization dedicated to promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
As one of only 35 member states on the board, the Philippines will help guide key decisions on safeguards and technical cooperation.
Ms. Galin said: “The Philippines is involved in the participation of the IAEA Committee and the adoption of the Philippine Law law demonstrates the country’s commitment to science, innovation and sustainable development.”
Under the Philippines Energy Plan, the country’s first nuclear power plant is scheduled to be built in 2032. – Chloe Mari A. Hufana and Sheldeen Joy Talavera
