Senate Committee on Science and Technology Chairperson Senator Alan Peter Cayetano spearheads the joint committee meeting with Committee on Energy Chairperson Senator Raffy Tulfo and Committee on Ways and Means Chairperson Senator Win Gatchalian. All three senators expressed their full support for the passage of the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, better known as the PhilATOM bill.
Senate begins tackling PhilATOM bill; legislators in full support
The push for the creation of an independent nuclear regulatory body in the Philippines continues as discussions in the Senate towards the passage of the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, better known as the PhilATOM bill, are already in full swing.
PhilATOM, the bill’s shorthand, refers to the prospective Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority, which will have jurisdiction to exercise regulatory control over all sources of ionizing radiation, both from nuclear and radioactive materials as well as radiation devices.
Besides the creation of the PhilATOM, the bill also revamps the current nuclear legislative framework of the country, bringing it up to speed with international safety standards, particularly those of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The bill also has fresh provisions on nuclear safety, security, safeguards, radiation protection, and emergency preparedness and response – reflecting the country’s commitment in fulfilling its long-standing obligations to the IAEA and the international community through various treaties, conventions, and other agreements.
The bill is currently sponsored by Senators Francis Tolentino, Ramon Revilla Jr., Sherwin Gatchalian and Francis Escudero.
Spearheading the discussions is the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, chaired by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who held several joint meetings and public hearings mid-February with the Committees on Energy, Ways and Means, and Finance, aiming to fast-track the legislative process for all priority bills on science and technology.
He was joined by Senators Raffy Tulfo and Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian in expressing their full support for the bill as an indispensable means of oversight on the safety aspects of nuclear energy in the Philippines. Senators Tulfo and Gatchalian are the chairpersons of the Senate Committees on Energy and Ways and Means, respectively.
Officials from the Department of Science and Technology – Department Legislative Liaison Office (DOST-DLLO) attended the meetings with scientists and regulators from the DOST – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), headed by its Director, Dr. Carlo Arcilla, as well as Congressman Mark Cojuangco, principal sponsor of the bill in the House of Representatives and Chairperson of the House Special Committee on Nuclear Energy.
Also in attendance were officials and representatives from the Department of Energy, Department of Health – Center for Device Regulation, Radiation Health and Research, Department of National Defense, Department of Justice, Strategic Trade and Management Office, Bases Conversion and Development Authority, and the Development Bank of the Philippines, among others.
Late in November last year, the PhilATOM bill passed through the House of Representatives in record time on third reading, with an overwhelming 200 votes in favor.
DOST-PNRI Director Dr. Carlo Arcilla (left) leads a delegation of scientists and nuclear regulators during the Technical Working Group meeting of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology on the PhilATOM bill. Also in attendance is Congressman Mark Cojuangco (right), principal sponsor of the bill in the House of Representatives and Chairperson of the House Special Committee on Nuclear Energy.
