CLARK FREEPORT ZONE—A member of the Central Luzon Regional Development Council (RDC) has called for the opening of the P2.3-billion mothballed Bataan Nuclear Plant in Morong, Bataan to reduce the price of electricity and to attract more foreign investors.
Rene Romero, who represents the business sector in the council, said Region III is always on orange alert, which means the supply of electricity is not enough to sustain business development. Opening the plant, he said, will surely stabilize the supply.
The 621-megawatt nuclear plant was built by former President Marcos during the oil crisis of 1976.
Following the 1979 Three Mile Island nuclear accident in the US and the Chernobyl accident in 1986, the nuclear plant ceased to operate when President Cory Aquino came to power and its price ballooned to $2.3 billion.
Although decommissioned, the plant is being maintained to the tune of P40 million a year and remains intact until now. It would require another PI billion to rehabilitate it.
Romero said the Philippines has one of the most expensive electricity rates in Asia, which deters foreign manufacturers wishing to invest in the country.
He said he will reiterate his call for the opening of the $1.2-billion plant when they meet again in October. The council is being reorganized following the May election and its chairman shall be appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte.
However, the opening of the nuclear should not address the problem of pollution harmful to the health of residents and the environment in general.
According to Romero, well-lighted roads will prevent crime as bad elements would think twice before plying their trade in the dark alleys and other places.
“Öur roads and alleys are very dark because the government cannot provide all roads with streetlamps due to high cost of electricity,” he said.
