Bishop Geraro Alminanza of San Carlos calls on President Rodrigo Duterte to reject the proposal to use nuclear power in the Philippines, saying that Filipinos shouldn’t be exposed to the risk of nuclear power such as the disasters in Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, and Fukushima.
“I am greatly concerned with the proposed Executive Order that is said to be drafted by (Department of Energy or DOE) Secretary Al Cusi which would include nuclear power in our energy mix,” Alminanza was quoted in a statement.
“We urge President Duterte not to sign this Executive Order and instead remind Sec. Cusi to make renewable energy our primary source of electricity.”
He encourages Duterte to be firm on his previous directive where he ordered the DOE to promote renewable energy, which is cheaper and safer source of energy.
“We hope and pray that President Duterte will not turn back on his word in the 2019 SONA (State of the Nation Address) which charged the DOE with the task of promoting renewable energy,” Alminaza said.
“This is what would truly be beneficial for our people, and would also serve as a concrete act of care for our Common Home.”
Last week, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that Duterte will be studying the proposed use of nuclear power in the Philippines energy mix.
