A decision by President Rodrigo Duterte to close nuclear power plants
in the Philippines has been welcomed by the Catholic hierarchy, the
Fides news service reports.Bishop Rupert Santos of Balanga said that Duterte’s stand reflects “his concern and care for people and the environment.”
The bishop endorsed the use of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power as alternatives to nuclear power plants.
President Duterte had turned down a proposal to activate a nuclear power plant that had been built in the Bataan province but never operated.
Bishop Santos said that the people of Bataan strongly opposed the proposal, because the use of nuclear power is “very dangerous.”
Duterte also said that he would not authorize the use of nuclear power plants in the Philippines during his tenure.