DOE leads negotiations for nuclear agreements with US, Canada

The Department of Energy (DOE) is taking the lead in negotiating administrative agreements (AAs) with the US and Canadian governments to support the “123 Agreement” established in 2023, facilitating the planned utilization of nuclear technologies in the Philippines.

In a report by Manila Bulletin, Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin clarified that the agreements would provide detailed guidelines for the implementation of both the 123 Agreement with the US and the nuclear deal with Canada.

Regarding the US agreement, Garin noted that the AA’s finalization relied on the Philippine government’s ratification of the 123 Agreement, which is now under evaluation by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The decision on ratification—whether by the Senate or the President—was to parallel protocols established in the recent trilateral agreement involving the Philippines, US, and Japan.

The undersecretary also emphasized that the ratification of the 123 Agreement was a prerequisite for negotiating administrative agreements and was subject to the DFA’s recommendation on whether the President or the Senate should ratify.

Regarding the agreement with Canada, Garin mentioned that the negotiations had progressed after exchanging drafts, with both parties expected to engage in further discussions.

The DOE is also assessing the status of the previous agreement with Canada, which, if not ratified, would be incorporated into broader multilateral agreements involving nuclear programs.

Administrative agreements would provide detailed guidelines for implementing the parent agreements, addressing concerns such as capacity-building initiatives and identifying collaborative opportunities with stakeholders like academe and government agencies.