Like dad, Sara eyed viability of nuclear power

MANILA, Philippines — The suggestion to tap nuclear power as a solution to a local energy crisis is not new to Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) vice presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

In an ambush interview Friday in Navotas City, Duterte was asked if she supported the move of her father, President Duterte, to study the viability of harnessing nuclear energy amid skyrocketing fuel prices.

“Yes. In 2010 during an energy crisis in Mindanao, as a regional development council chairperson, that (nuclear energy) is something I suggested that the national government do,” she said in a mix of Filipino and English.

Back in 2010, Mindanao – the Dutertes’ home region – was always strapped for power reserves, which led to rotating blackouts.

According to the mayor, nuclear energy presents the “fastest solution” to domestic problems concerning power. It’s also an obvious step that government needs to take if it wants to host an industrial boom.

“The need will really depend on studies made by our Department of Energy, but as a suggestion, we’re headed in that direction – especially if you want industrialization here in the country, and we want more investments and businesses coming in – of course, our need for energy shall increase,” she added.

President Duterte signed late last month Executive Order 164, which sets up the possibility of using nuclear energy as an alternative power source.