Nuclear energy implementing rules out in early ’26
PHOTO FROM PNRI
MANILA, Philippines — The implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for PhilATOM, the country’s newly established atomic energy regulator, could be released in the early months of 2026, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) Director Carlo Arcilla said.
In an ambush interview, Arcilla said the IRR may be released in three months, and that they were still working on it.
When pressed whether that meant early next year, he replied in the affirmative: “Yes, early next year, it’s out already. It’s February or March.”
Under the recently enacted Republic Act 12305, known as the PhilATOM Law, PhilATOM is designated as an independent and quasi-judicial body that will wield sole and exclusive jurisdiction over all nuclear and radiation regulation in the Philippines.
Once issued, PhilATOM will take over the regulatory duties previously handled by PNRI and other agencies, such as the radiation-device regulation arm of the Food and Drug Administration.
READ: Marcos signs law creating PhilAtom, new nuclear regulatory agency
Why the IRR matters
The IRR will lay out the regulatory framework under which PhilATOM can begin issuing licenses for the siting, construction and operation of nuclear energy facilities.
Arcilla said PhilATOM would grant two kinds of licenses—one to construct and one to operate. It will be the ultimate authority ensuring that nuclear power plants are built and run safely.
He also said PhilATOM would not concern itself with electricity pricing.
“The main purpose of PhilATOM is safety, security and safeguards,” he said.
Arcilla indicated plans to rehabilitate the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant as a fast-track option, especially if the country aims for nuclear power by 2032.
READ: PH, Korea eye revival of Bataan nuke plant
Arcilla likewise said the IRR would allow PhilATOM to establish a licensing-fee schedule and levy a universal charge potentially embedded in electricity bills. This is to ensure that the regulator’s funding remains independent of direct budget allocations, even as the government eyes an initial budget of around P400 million.
‘Landmark’ law
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the PhilATOM Law was a landmark in the country’s bid for energy sufficiency.
The law, she said, “modernizes nuclear regulation consistent with the latest International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards and global best practices.”
Garin stressed that while PhilATOM would handle regulation, power generation would remain under Department of Energy’s oversight. Electricity pricing will continue to be regulated by the Energy Regulatory Commission as mandated by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act.
However, she insisted that any nuclear power plant must meet rigorous safety standards, factoring in community acceptance, technical feasibility and upfront capital cost.
IAEA support
From the global side, IAEA director-general Rafael Mariano Grossi said the agency is ready to support the Philippines’ nuclear ambitions.
READ: Philippines explores capital sources for nuclear energy
Grossi noted that, given the country’s archipelagic geography, small modular reactors or micromodular reactors may be particularly suitable. Remote areas could benefit from nuclear installations rather than being reliant on submarine cables or expensive conventional grids, he said.
He added that during the recently conducted follow-up mission to the Philippines, he saw no major shortcomings in energy infrastructure.
“The country is evaluating different possibilities, and that requires technical evaluation of different designs, different reactor designs, and what the president has told me is that he’s doing that, he’s looking at the evolution of technology, and we are helping in this area,” he said. INQ
