MANILA, Philippines? President Aquino has instructed authorities to check for radioactivity in food imports from Japan, which is facing a nuclear emergency following Friday's 8.9-magnitude earthquake and killer tsunami, Malacañang said Monday.

"Just as a precaution, imports from Japan, mostly foodstuffs, will be checked for their level of radiation,'' Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang told reporters Monday after attending a meeting with the President and security, science and other Cabinet officials to discuss the situation in Japan.

He said that the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute has the capability to test the imports for radioactivity.

Carandang also said that Aquino has instructed officials to review the level of preparedness of the country in dealing with earthquakes and tsunamis.

The President will be briefed on this matter this week, according to Carandang.