In the Philippines, the Senate approved a bill establishing the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM) and laying down a comprehensive legal framework for the safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy in the country. The bill, also known as the proposed Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safe Act, aims to support the country’s move to nuclear power by providing a regulatory system based on international safety and non-proliferation standards. Once enacted, the measure will formally establish PhilATOM as an independent regulatory body tasked with overseeing nuclear safety, radiation protection, and emergency preparedness. It will also serve as the country’s reference point for radiological and nuclear emergencies under international protocols.
The bill strictly limits the use of nuclear energy to civilian purposes. It forbids the development of nuclear weapons and any form of military application. With both the Senate and the House of Representatives having approved their respective versions of the bill, the measure will now move to a bicameral conference committee to finalize a unified version for submission to the President.
