The Senate has approved on final reading a bill that would establish the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM) and lay down a comprehensive legal framework for the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear energy in the country.

As reported by GMA News Online, the Senate Bill 2899, also known as the proposed Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, aims to support the Philippines’ transition to nuclear power by providing a regulatory backbone with international safety and non-proliferation standards in mind.

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 national focal point of contact for radiological and nuclear emergencies under international protocols.

The bill strictly limits nuclear technology to civilian and peaceful purposes. It strictly prohibits the development or use of nuclear weapons, dirty bombs, and any form of military application.

The move comes amidst the government’s efforts to implement its nuclear energy roadmap, which targets the commissioning of the country’s first commercial nuclear power plant by 2032, and then a projected increase in nuclear capacity to 4,800 megawatts (MW) by 2050.

The bill received broad support in the Senate, with only Senator Risa Hontiveros voting against it, citing her main concerns over safety and potential environmental risks. Senator Loren Legarda abstained, urging lawmakers to integrate stronger safeguards aligned with climate adaptation and ecological protection.

With both the Senate and the House of Representatives having passed their respective versions of the bill, with the House version having cleared final reading back in November 2023, the measure will now move to a bicameral conference committee to finalize a unified version for submission to the President.

The proposed legal framework represents a big milestone in the Philippines’ efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, while also ensuring compliance with international nuclear regulations and safety standards.

Follow Power Philippines on Facebook and LinkedIn or join our Viber community for more updates.