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DOE Sec. Cusi Hails Signing of EO 116 in Support of the Philippine Nuclear Energy Program

TAGUIG CITY- Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi today hailed the signing by President Duterte of Executive Order (EO) 116 which, he said, is a “major step towards the realization of a Philippine nuclear energy program.”

EO 116, signed by the President on July 24, provides for the creation of the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC) to be chaired by the DOE, with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as Vice Chair.

The inter-agency body is mandated to primarily conduct a study for the adoption of a National Position on a Nuclear Energy Program (NEP).

Elated that the EO has finally been issued, Secretary Cusi said, “The Department of Energy welcomes EO116 as a major step towards the realization of a Philippine nuclear energy program — one which would benefit our people by enhancing our energy supply levels and help shield our consumers from traditional power price volatilities.”

As he thanked the President for finally signing the EO, Secretary Cusi said the government will continue to work closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other experts to realize the inclusion of nuclear power in the country’s existing energy mix in the future.

“I believe that once we have successfully addressed infrastructure gaps as identified by the IAEA, and we have fulfilled all other necessary national requirements, our people and future generations will reap the economic benefits a nuclear energy program brings,” Secretary Cusi stressed.

In the issuance of the EO, the President cited the imperative need to revisit the country’s policy on nuclear energy and to determine its feasibility as a long term option for power generation.

Aside from the DOE and the DOST, the inter-agency body will have the following as members:

• Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
• Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
• Department of Finance (DOF)
• Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
• National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)
• National Power Corporation (NPC)
• National Transmission Corporation (Transco)
• Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI)
• Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs)

Specifically, EO 116 tasked the NEP-IAC to carry out the following:

A. Conduct a prefeasibility study to evaluate and assess the need for and viability of introducing nuclear power into the State's energy mix, taking into consideration economic, security and environmental implications, and engagement of the public and relevant stakeholders;

B. Evaluate and formulate a national strategy to include a roadmap and timeline in the preparation of a NEP, as well as measures to address infrastructure gaps and issues, and make appropriate recommendations thereon;

C. Review the existing legal framework, study the viability of nuclear energy, and recommend the necessary steps in the utilization of nuclear energy, as well as existing facilities such as but not limited to the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant;

D. Create sub-committees to facilitate decision-making on various issues that may arise in the course of study;

E. Promulgate guidelines and rules for the effective implementation of EO 116; and

F. Perform other functions as the President may direct.

The newly-signed EO empowers the NEP-IAC to call upon any department, agency or instrumentality of the government for assistance in the course of accomplishing its tasks. They are further allowed to seek the assistance of the IAEA and other international bodies to carry out their mandate.

EO 116 requires the NEP-IAC to submit an initial report to the Office of the President within six months or by January 2021.

Funding for the body’s operational expenses will be charged against the DOE budget, and other funding sources that may be identified by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

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