TV5 reviews push for nuclear energy

CHEERS TO TV5’s Frontline Tonight for its balanced presentation of views on nuclear energy and the planned activation of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP). 

Maeanne Los Baños’ two-part special report looked into  the issue following the creation of a nuclear power committee in the House of Representatives last August 9. 

The report noted that efforts to tap new sources have been prompted by  concern over the looming energy shortage, which has triggered proposals that include the activation of the controversial BNPP.

Los Baños recalled the signing of Executive Order 164 by former President Rodrigo Duterte in February 2022, which included nuclear power among the country’s mix of energy resources. In his State of the Nation address in July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his advocacy of renewable energy, or the use of solar and wind power sources, as “appropriate for the Philippines.” But Marcos also called for a reexamination of the policy on nuclear energy.

Environmental advocate stresses risk

Frontline Tonight presented the government’s justification for a local nuclear option. Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla considered Marcos’ nuclear energy strategy as a “long-term solution,” as this would move the country away from its current dependence on imported energy supplies.

The report then featured an environmental advocate’s view  highlighting the possible dangers of harnessing such an energy source. Greenpeace Philippines’ Khevin Yu observed that the prioritizing of nuclear energy this early by the 19th Congress indicated a “strong push” within the legislature. 

Yu called attention to the hazards posed by nuclear waste which remains radioactive for thousands of years, raising health concerns for those residing in the vicinity of nuclear power facilities. He urged the government to be transparent about these risks, and to seek the consent of communities and local governments before the construction of new plants. 

Greenpeace advocated  the tapping of sustainable energy sources, emphasizing the Philippines’ high “renewable energy potential,” as reported by the Department of Energy in a 2020 feasibility study.

Activation of BNPP

An expert pointed to the near depletion of reserves in the Malampaya natural gas field as a reason to activate the BNPP. Citing data from the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), Los Baños explained that Malampaya is the country’s sole natural gas field, and supplies 20% of the Philippines’ electricity. 

PNRI Director Carlo Arcilla argued that with a potential energy crisis, the government is left with little alternative apart from harnessing nuclear energy. Arcilla believes that renewables should be considered among the sources, but raised concerns about their supposedly limited availability. He further proposed that activating the BNPP would be the fastest way for the country to go nuclear.

News5 did not let old controversies slip, and promptly reminded viewers of the corruption and safety issues that hounded the BNPP under the dictatorship of Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. Los Baños also recalled the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster which took the lives of no less than 30 people in the former Soviet Union. 

The report also recorded prevailing concerns, such as the BNPP’s proximity to a potentially active volcano. Los Baños cited Filipino-American geologist Dr. Kelvin Rodolfo’s view, who argued that the nearby Mt. Natib’s eruption is the greatest risk facing BNPP.

The two-part report presented conflicting views with sobriety, thus encouraging further dialogue on an issue of common interest. 

News5’s effort introduced the Filipino layman to the issues by making scientific and technological perspectives understandable. Making the relevant interesting  is a skill journalists  must cultivate for the sake of a better informed public.  Developing expertise on  complex issues also enables journalists to  initiate policy discussions before policy is cast in stone.