A renewed push by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to revive the country’s nuclear energy programme has reignited debate among lawmakers, with Senator Risa Hontiveros warning of unresolved nuclear waste disposal and dependence on imported fuel, while Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri argues that the Philippines must begin embracing nuclear power to strengthen energy security and keep pace with its Southeast Asian neighbours.
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s renewed push to revive the country’s nuclear energy programme has sparked contrasting reactions in the Senate, with Senator Risa Hontiveros reiterating her long-standing opposition over concerns about nuclear waste and reliance on imported materials, while Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri urged the government to move forward, saying the Philippines can no longer afford to fall behind its regional neighbours.
The debate resurfaced shortly after President Marcos highlighted the revival of the country’s nuclear energy programme during his penultimate State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, describing nuclear power as part of the administration’s long-term strategy to strengthen the nation’s energy security and address growing electricity demands.
Speaking to reporters after the SONA, Hontiveros maintained that she remains unconvinced that nuclear energy is the right direction for the Philippines. She said her opposition dates back to her high school years when she first became involved in activism, stressing that her position has not changed despite renewed calls to reconsider nuclear power.
The senator argued that one of the country’s biggest disadvantages is its lack of indigenous raw materials required to produce nuclear energy. As a result, she said, the Philippines would remain dependent on imported nuclear fuel, raising concerns about long-term energy independence and supply security.
Beyond fuel dependence, Hontiveros emphasised what she described as one of the most pressing challenges facing any nuclear programme—the safe management and disposal of radioactive waste. She noted that the Philippines has yet to establish a reliable and permanent system for handling nuclear waste, warning that unresolved environmental and public safety issues could outweigh the potential benefits of nuclear power.
Instead of investing heavily in nuclear energy, Hontiveros urged the government to maximise the country’s abundant renewable energy resources, pointing out that significant opportunities remain in the development of solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power. She said these cleaner energy sources continue to be underutilised despite the Philippines’ natural potential to become a regional leader in renewable energy.
In contrast, Zubiri welcomed the President’s renewed commitment to exploring nuclear energy, arguing that the country must begin embracing technologies already being adopted across the world. He said many nations, including several in Southeast Asia, have already started exploring or developing nuclear power as part of their long-term energy mix, and warned that the Philippines risks being left behind if it continues to delay discussions on the issue.
According to Zubiri, modern nuclear technology has significantly improved over the years, making nuclear energy much safer when supported by appropriate regulations, advanced engineering, and strict operational standards. He stressed that numerous countries have successfully integrated nuclear power into their electricity systems while maintaining high levels of safety.
Zubiri also revealed that three key international nuclear-related treaties remain pending before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, which he chairs. These agreements cover nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear safety, and international standards designed to ensure the peaceful and secure use of nuclear technology.
Zubiri said he intends to conduct committee hearings on the pending treaties in the coming weeks, expressing confidence that their ratification would establish the legal and regulatory framework necessary for the Philippines to responsibly pursue nuclear energy development. He added that once these agreements are approved, the country would have a stronger foundation for implementing policies that promote safe and internationally compliant nuclear power.
The contrasting positions of Hontiveros and Zubiri underscore the broader national debate over the future of the Philippines’ energy sector. Supporters view nuclear power as a reliable source of low-carbon electricity capable of reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and ensuring stable energy supplies, while critics continue to question its economic viability, environmental impact, waste disposal challenges, and long-term safety.
As the Marcos administration advances its energy agenda, lawmakers are expected to play a critical role in determining whether the country will proceed with nuclear power development or instead focus on expanding renewable energy investments. With legislative deliberations and treaty discussions set to intensify in the months ahead, the future of nuclear energy in the Philippines is likely to remain one of the most closely watched policy issues in the nation’s pursuit of energy security and sustainable economic growth.