A Church leader expressed his concerns about the use of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) noting the potential effects of weather disturbances that pass through their area.
Balanga bishop Ruperto C. Santos said those pushing for the utilization of the BNPP which was constructed in 1984 in Morong, Bataan should seriously consider the change in climate that is turning out to be a worldwide issue.
“It is becoming more frequent for tropical storms that affect the country to exit through Southern Luzon, even monsoon rains here have noticeably become stronger. Reopening the BNPP will bring disaster and harm to the people of Bataan thus, we at the Diocese of Balanga, strongly oppose its use,” said Santos.
The head of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People is instead encouraging the use of alternative source of natural energy which is more safe and practical.
“I encourage and fully support research studies on safer energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro. Maybe, we can also use wind power in Bataan just like in Northern Luzon because we also have strong winds here,” added Santos.
The Department of Energy (DoE), the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) and the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) estimated the cost of reviving the BNPP in four years to reach about one billion dollars.
(Christina Hermoso)