Safe , science-based revival of Bataan Nuclear Power Plant
By J.Lo
“Number one, we should take into consideration safety because we might suffer same accident in Chernobyl and other plants,” Presidential aspirant Panfilo Lacson said in a press conference he is open to safe and science-based revival of Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP).
“We can look at it…let’s follow science…we should not open nuclear power plant just because we want to solve problem of electric supply because country might suffer from possible incidents,” he added.
Lacson was asked about the matter after fellow presidential candidates shared their positions on the use of nuclear energy.
Presidential bet and Senator Manny Pacquiao proposed the construction of floating nuclear power plants to boost the country’s energy supply and lower electricity bills.
However, he said he has no intention of reviving the BNPP.
Another presidential candidate, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., has already expressed his desire to take a “second look” at the BNPP, according to UniTeam adviser Jonathan dela Cruz.
On the other hand, Lacson and running mate Senate President Vicente Sotto III said subsidizing public transportation sector is more doable than providing fuel subsidy.
Lacson opposed proposal of Marcos Jr.’s camp to revive the Oil Price Stabilization Fund (OPSF), citing lack of funds.
“Some one has suggested reviving the Oil Price Stabilization Fund during the time of President Marcos but our government cannot subsidize the price of fuel…our treasury will run dry…that is not doable
Lacson said subsidies for public transport sector could be funded by billions of public funds which were supposedly lost to corruption.
“What we can subsidize is the public transport. We can get it from the funds which were lost to corruption. If we get rid of corruption in the government, we can provide subsidies at least for the public transportation sector,” he said.
But Lacson said the implementation of this subsidy program should be monitored properly so it will not be subject to corruption.
According to Sotto, P700 billion worth of government funds are being lost to corruption.
“That is why it is very important to choose and identify the candidate who doesn’t just promise things but someone who could solve the problem. Someone who has platforms that are doable and someone who knows the problem. Aside from being aware of the problem, we should choose someone who has the solutions” Lacson said.
Lacson and Sotto’s 2022 campaign centers on good governance, anti-corruption, and budget reforms.
Their campaign slogan is “Aayusin ang Gobyerno, Aayusin ang Buhay ng Bawat Pilipino” (Fix the Government, Fix the Lives of Every Filipino) and “Uubusin ang Magnanakaw” (Get Rid of the Thieves).
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