Philippines President Calls for Nuclear Energy Push

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. used his fifth State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 27, 2026, to advocate for a renewed national push into nuclear energy, framing it as a solution to energy security and high electricity costs. The announcement, delivered in Manila, has ignited a debate among lawmakers, highlighting a clear division on the future of the country's power sector.

In his address, Marcos argued that nuclear power could build on recent gains in petroleum and hydrogen energy. He pointed out that nuclear technology is already utilized in medicine and agriculture, expressing confidence in its potential to lower consumer costs and strengthen the national grid. The president pledged that any nuclear program would prioritize safety and that the government would thoroughly explain its benefits to the public.

The proposal received immediate support from Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, who stated it was "about time" the Philippines explored the energy source to avoid falling behind other Southeast Asian nations. He emphasized that nuclear energy can be safe with appropriate technology and noted that several related international treaties are pending before his...