The Department of Energy (DOE) expressed its appreciation to the Senate and the House of Representatives for the ratification of the Bicameral Conference Committee Report on Senate Bill No. 2899 and House Bill No. 9293, or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act. This pivotal legislation establishes the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM), a critical milestone toward the safe, secure, and peaceful development of nuclear energy in the country.
“After two decades of advocacy and deliberation, the passage of the PhilATOM bill marks a historic turning point for the Philippines,” stated Undersecretary Sharon S. Garin, who oversees the Nuclear Energy Program – Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC). “We will now have the necessary legal and institutional foundations to guide the development of nuclear energy infrastructure with oversight for the highest standards of safety and security. This is a critical step forward in strengthening our long-term energy security while ensuring that every action we take is anchored on responsibility, transparency, and public trust.”
Undersecretary Garin highlighted the essential role of PhilATOM in ensuring that all aspects of nuclear energy infrastructure, including siting, construction, licensing, safety, and eventual operation, are effectively and comprehensively regulated by an independent and competent authority. The NEP-IAC, under her leadership, is responsible for formulating the country’s nuclear energy roadmap and coordinating efforts to address the 19 infrastructure issues identified by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), including the establishment of a robust legal and regulatory framework.
While acknowledging this significant step, Undersecretary Garin clarified that the establishment of PhilATOM does not signal the immediate construction of a nuclear power plant. She emphasized that any country pursuing nuclear energy must undergo a rigorous, step-by-step process and comply fully with the IAEA’s stringent requirements for nuclear infrastructure development. The Philippine Energy Plan currently targets the construction of a nuclear power plant by 2032.
The recent IAEA follow-up Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) Mission in December 2024 affirmed the Philippines’ steady progress in developing the necessary infrastructure for a nuclear energy program. Key advancements noted by the IAEA included the adoption of a clear national policy on nuclear energy through a Presidential Executive Order, the drafting and now ratification of a comprehensive nuclear law via the PhilATOM bill, and strengthened capacities in human resource development, regulatory frameworks, radiation protection, radioactive waste management, and emergency preparedness and response.
The Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act was approved on third and final reading by the Senate on June 9, 2025, following the House of Representatives’ approval of its counterpart measure in November 2023.
Once enacted into law, PhilATOM will serve as the country’s sole and independent regulator for the peaceful, safe, and secure uses of nuclear energy and radiation sources. It will also act as the official national point of contact in the event of nuclear or radiological emergencies, aligning with international conventions and agreements to which the Philippines is a party. The generation of electricity from nuclear energy will continue to be governed by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) and subject to the regulatory oversight of the DOE and the Energy Regulatory Commission.
Beyond energy generation, the measure will also enable the peaceful applications of atomic energy across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, industry, scientific research, and education, unlocking a wide range of benefits for national development.
Undersecretary Garin expressed optimism about the country’s path toward a “nuclear renaissance,” underscoring the government’s proactive efforts to build public understanding and support. Through continuous studies, multi-stakeholder consultations, and education campaigns, the NEP-IAC is working to ensure that the development of nuclear energy infrastructure is inclusive, transparent, and grounded in public trust.
“Ultimately, our pursuit of nuclear energy is guided by the vision of securing a safe, clean, and reliable power source for future generations,” she concluded.
