Marcos on Bataan Nuclear Power Plant: 'Too bad they stopped it'
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed regret over the decision to mothball the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in the 1980s. He noted that public sentiment has shifted toward nuclear energy as a solution for lower electricity costs.
Why it matters
The Philippines is actively revisiting nuclear energy as a potential solution to its energy security and cost challenges.
<p>President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday expressed disappointment over the government's decision in the late 1980s to mothball the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, which was built during his father's administration.</p><p>Marcos made the remarks during his visit to the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Institute.</p><p>"In 1986, we were already in the first two phases. We were already in that. In fact, that pool of trained professionals...they're still around waiting to put their knowledge into practice," Marcos said.</p><p>"So we never were going to do the last phase that you have. We already managed to do the first and the second, and too bad, they stopped it," he added.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/scitech/science/996939/philippines-nuclear-energy/story/" target="_blank">EXPLAINER: Why is the Philippines turning to nuclear energy?</a></strong></p><p>The late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. ordered the construction of the plant in 1976 in response to rising energy prices.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in