The Philippines has created its first independent nuclear regulatory body with the enactment of Republic Act No. 12305, or the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM) Act.
Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said yeserday that the new law provides the backbone for a secure and transparent rollout of the country’s nuclear program.
“The passage of the law strengthens the regulatory framework that will enable the safe and secure peaceful use of nuclear energy in the country,” Garin said.
“The law modernizes nuclear regulation consistent with the latest International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards and global best practices,” she added.
PhilATOM is designed as an autonomous regulator with oversight across the entire nuclear cycle. Its authority ranges from site selection and construction to licensing, safety inspections, and eventual plant operations. The aim is to ensure compliance with international safety and security measures.
Regulation of nuclear facilities will be under PhilATOM, but electricity generation will continue to be covered by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, under the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission.
The establishment of PhilATOM comes as the Philippines takes on a more active role internationally. Last week, the country secured a seat on the IAEA Board of Governors for the 2025 to 2027 term during its 69th Regular Session in Vienna, Austria.
The DOE has also been building the domestic foundation for nuclear development through the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee.
The group is tasked with preparing a national roadmap, addressing the 19 infrastructure issues identified by the IAEA, and holding consultations to keep the process transparent and inclusive.
Under the Philippine Energy Plan 2023–2050, the government is targeting as much as 4,800 megawatts of nuclear capacity by 2040.
The long-term vision is for nuclear power to provide reliable baseload supply, cut emissions, and help achieve climate objectives.
