President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act No. 12305, or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, into law, establishing a robust regulatory framework to govern the safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy and radiation in the country.
Central to the new law is the creation of the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM)—an independent, quasi-judicial body granted exclusive jurisdiction over nuclear energy regulation. The agency is tasked with protecting public health, safety, and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.
PhilATOM will issue licenses for nuclear-related activities, enforce safety standards, and ensure compliance with international obligations, particularly those of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The agency is also mandated to oversee nuclear emergency preparedness in coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
RA 12305 institutes strict safeguards for all aspects of the nuclear lifecycle—from siting, construction, and operation to the storage, transport, and disposal of radioactive materials. Unauthorized nuclear activities will be met with harsh penalties, including fines of up to ₱100 million and imprisonment.
The passage of RA 12305 marks a significant policy shift toward the Philippines’ long-term energy diversification and security goals.
While it does not authorize immediate construction of nuclear power plants, it lays critical regulatory groundwork for potential nuclear energy deployment. The establishment of PhilATOM aligns with international best practices and sends a strong signal to investors, scientists, and global partners that the Philippines is serious about pursuing nuclear energy—safely and transparently.
