THE House of Representatives on Tuesday unanimously adopted House Resolution (HR) 1975, expressing the institution’s unqualified support for the agreement between the country and the United States of America to cooperate on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
HR 1975, principally authored by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, provides that nuclear power shall be added to the country’s energy mix, at 1,200 megawatts (MW) by 2032, 2,400 MW by 2035 and 4,800 MW by 2050.
The agreement between the Philippines and the U.S. concerning peaceful uses of nuclear energy or the 123 Agreement was signed on Nov. 16, 2023 in San Francisco, California, and entered into force on July 2, 2024.
The agreement provides a legal framework for the transfer of information, nuclear material, equipment and components between the country and the U.S. to ensure the safe and secure use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes that complies with the standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency, international agreements and regulations, as well as Philippine national laws.
“The signing of the 123 Agreement will encourage U.S. companies to invest in nuclear energy projects and participate in nuclear research in a well-regulated and safe environment, thereby supporting the Philippines’ goal to achieve energy security,” Speaker Romualdez said.
The 123 Agreement is consistent with Section 8, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and existing laws such as Republic Act 5207 or the “Atomic Energy Regulatory and Liability Act of 1968,” as amended, in relation to Executive Order (EO) 128, series of 1987, titled “Reorganizing the National Science and technology Authority,” and complemented by RA 10697 or the “Strategic Trade Management Act.
Tuesday’s session was presided over by Deputy Speaker Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco.
