Quezon City — Greenpeace Philippines stands in solidarity with the brave residents, grassroots organizations, and activists in Bataan as they mark the 40th anniversary of Welga ng Bayan Laban sa BNPP (“People’s Action Against the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant”).
Alongside Bataan communities, the group reaffirms their conviction that nuclear energy poses serious risks to public safety, the environment, and the local economy, and the firm belief that safety, environment, and human rights must come first before false energy solutions and corporate greed. Greenpeace campaigner Khevin Yu said,
“Filipinos have long opposed nuclear power, knowing full well that disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima could happen again if safety is compromised. We join veteran defenders against the BNPP, community leaders, environmentalists, and young advocates from Bataan and Metro Manila in strongly condemning any move to resurrect nuclear power in our country. We call on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to veto the new nuclear law immediately.
“The recent rush by both houses of Congress to pass the misleadingly titled ‘Philippine Nuclear Safety Act’—at the expense of more urgent and sensible legislative initiatives—is alarming as it is at the complete disregard of Filipinos’ wellbeing by their own elected representatives. Instead of addressing the country’s energy insecurity through a just transition to abundant renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydro, the government is choosing to gamble with the lives of millions of Filipinos and the health of our environment.
“Nuclear power is dangerous. Studies by reputable scientists from around the world have highlighted serious safety concerns regarding the BNPP such as its structural defects and vulnerability to seismic activity.
“Nuclear power is debilitatingly expensive. Its levelized cost remains high—between USD 140-222 per MWh—compared to renewable sources like solar and wind, which are safer, cleaner, and more affordable. Investing in nuclear energy not only endangers our communities but also puts us at the mercy of foreign interests and the global nuclear industry.
“On this 40th anniversary of our fight against nuclear power, we call on policymakers and leaders to remember the lessons of the past and reject the reintroduction of nuclear power, and not send this country down a dangerous path for decades to come.”
For requests for interviews and other information, please contact:
James Relativo, Communications Campaigner
Greenpeace Southeast Asia – Philippines
[email protected] | +63919 069 3424 (Viber & WhatsApp)
