President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on July 27 that the Philippines should consider nuclear energy production to achieve affordable and clean power.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives on July 27, 2026. He stated, “Pushing the envelope further, perhaps it is time for us to revisit nuclear energy production.” Marcos also discussed the Malampaya gas reserve, new petroleum service contracts, and hydrogen gas as part of efforts to reduce reliance on crude oil imports.
Marcos assured safety and public education on the topic. He said, “Titiyakin nating ito ay ligtas. Titiyakin din nating maipaliwanag nang mabuti sa publiko ang magandang dulot sa atin ng enerhiyang nukleyar.” He noted existing uses of nuclear technology in medicine, agriculture, water filtration, and plastic upcycling.
The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute conducts related research and development. Representative Mark Cojuangco has advocated for the technology in Congress. Critics argue that affordable renewables are needed instead and point to risks of nuclear waste and disasters, as well as opposition to reviving the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.
