Senate Approves Bill Creating PhilATOM, Regulating Nuclear Energy

The Senate has approved on final reading Senate Bill 2899, paving the way for the creation of the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM) and a comprehensive legal framework governing the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

The proposed Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act aims to regulate the safe, secure, and peaceful use of atomic energy in accordance with international standards on safety, non-proliferation, and emergency preparedness.

With 23 senators voting in favor, the bill received overwhelming support, with only Senator Risa Hontiveros opposing the measure and Senator Loren Legarda abstaining.

Hontiveros cited concerns over safety and environmental risks, while Legarda urged the integration of stronger climate and ecological safeguards.

Once enacted, PhilATOM will be established as an independent nuclear regulatory body with sole authority over all civilian uses of nuclear energy and radiation sources in the Philippines.

PhilATOM will also serve as the country’s national focal point for nuclear and radiological emergencies, in compliance with international protocols.

The legislation explicitly prohibits the use of nuclear technology for military purposes, banning the development of nuclear weapons, radiological dispersal devices, and related activities.

The measure supports the Marcos administration’s nuclear energy roadmap, which targets the launch of the Philippines’ first commercial nuclear power plant by 2032.

By 2050, the country aims to develop 4,800 megawatts (MW) of nuclear generation capacity to bolster long-term energy security and transition to low-carbon power.

“This measure aims to harness the peaceful, safe, and secure use of atomic energy to provide benefits to the Philippines in the fields of energy production, health and medicine, scientific research, agriculture, industry, education, and others,” the bill’s authors wrote.

PhilATOM will have exclusive jurisdiction to regulate the licensing, safety, and oversight of nuclear facilities and materials, consolidating responsibilities that were previously dispersed among various agencies.

The Senate’s passage of the measure follows the House of Representatives’ approval of its counterpart version in November 2023.

The bill now proceeds to the bicameral conference committee, where both chambers will reconcile differences in their versions before submitting a unified draft to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for signing into law.

The Marcos administration has identified nuclear energy as a key pillar in its long-term strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and expand baseload power generation.

The administration has also been engaging with international partners, including the United States and South Korea, to explore cooperation on small modular reactor technology and regulatory development.

Once signed into law, the measure will formalize the country’s commitment to nuclear power under strict civilian, safety, and environmental controls.