Moreno thumbs down nuke power

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential aspirant and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno yesterday thumbed down the use of nuclear power as an energy source for the country should he win in the May 9 elections.

In an ambush interview in his campaign sortie in Kalinga, Moreno said he wanted to use the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant like a “Silicon Valley” to provide jobs in the province.

He added that the country is not ready for nuclear power, noting that there are renewable sources of energy like wind and solar power.

“I don’t believe it is time for nuclear energy and that we are ready to maintain a dangerous facility,” Moreno said in Filipino.

Meanwhile, the mayor echoed the statement of his campaign strategist Lito Banayo that the church should not be used for political rallies.

Moreno took a swipe at his rival Vice President Leni Robredo, who was supported by members of the Catholic Church.

“What is abnormal is if the house of God becomes a rally area,” said Moreno, who uses the political slogan “God first!”

He had earlier said there was nothing wrong with candidates seeking religious endorsements.

If he wins, Moreno promised to revise the Rice Tariffication Law amid smuggling and importation of goods that lower prices of local produce and rising prices of fertilizer.