Makabayan bloc, scientists oppose US-PH civil nuclear deal
MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc and scientists raised opposition to negotiations for a civil nuclear energy cooperation agreement between the United States and the Philippines, saying it poses threats to host communities and the environment.
Reps. France Castro (ACT Teachers Party-list), Arlene Brosas (Gabriela Women’s Party Party-list) and Raoul Manuel (Kabataan Party-list) filed a resolution urging the House of Representatives to investigate the civil nuclear cooperation deal, also known as the “123 agreement.”
They said that Filipinos may be used as “guinea pigs” for testing nuclear technologies.
“Given the high threats posed to the health and safety of Filipinos and our environment by experimental nuclear technology, it is therefore urgent that Congress and the Filipino people are clued in on the proposed terms and conditions and other details of the said 123 Agreement,” the resolution of the Makabayan bloc read.
The “123 agreement” — announced during the visit of US Vice President Kamala Harris to the Philippines — aims to support collaboration on zero-emission energy and non-proliferation priorities. Once in force, the agreement allows the US to export nuclear equipment and material to the Philippines to help the country achieve energy security and transition to clean energy, according to a senior US official.
The Advocates of Science and Technology for the People (AGHAM) Secretary General Jona Yang said the talks will put the Philippines in a dangerous situation “as we will be held hostage by the US in adopting nuclear technology in our energy security.”
“And with the said agreement, the US will now have an upper hand and dominance on the current landscape of our energy industry,” Yang added.
While advocates of nuclear energy argued that it is a reliable source of electricity, Yang however stressed that the country will be dependent on imported nuclear technology for plants to function.
“Again, we are being held hostage by the whims and wants of those in power to impose a technology that in the end will not benefit the majority of Filipinos,” she said.
During his first State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said it is time to re-examine the country’s strategy toward building nuclear power plants.
On the campaign trail, he said the government should look into reviving the 621-megawatt Bataan Nuclear Power Plant — a venture by his despot father and namesake which was mothballed because of safety concerns.
Groups such as the Center for Energy, Ecology and Development and Greenpeace Philippines stress that nuclear energy will not only pose dangers to host communities, but also impede the country’s genuine transition to clean energy.
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