PASAY CITY—The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations fast-tracked the review of four critical international nuclear conventions on May 5, to fortify the country's shift toward nuclear power. 

Senators Erwin Tulfo and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian spearheaded the deliberations, emphasizing that the ratification of these treaties is essential to align the Philippines with global safety and liability benchmarks. 

Senator Tulfo specifically pressed government agencies to accelerate the implementing rules for the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act (RA 12305), demanding clear protocols on emergency response and specialized personnel training to ensure the nation is fully equipped for a nuclear transition.

Senator Gatchalian underscored that adopting these rigorous international frameworks is the primary solution to easing public anxiety regarding the safety and sustainability of nuclear facilities. 

By committing to global standards for radioactive waste management and civil liability, the panel aims to provide a concrete "safety net" that protects citizens while building investor confidence. 

“Maraming agam-agam sa isip ng mga kababayan natin, hindi natin maaalis ‘yan…Kailangan po natin nang ganito para mabigyan po natin ng assurance at kumpiyansa ang taong-bayan na napakadaming pag-aaral at proteksyon ang ginagawa natin,” Gatchalian said. 

"We need these conventions to provide the public with the assurance that extensive protections are in place," Gatchalian noted, framing the move as a vital step in transforming the Philippine energy landscape into a secure and modern system.