CEBU, Philippines – The Capitol has clarified its position on the possibility of putting up a nuclear power plant in Cebu to address the dwindling power situation in the province.
Capitol consultant Rory Jon Sepulveda said that Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is only open to the possibility and welcomed talks about it.
Sepulveda said the challenge from the environmentalist group for a public debate on nuclear power is "over eager."
According to Sepulveda, Garcia is actually open for talks to all possibilities not just about nuclear power plant.
Vince Cinchez, executive director of Fishefolk Development Center Inc. in Central Visayas, challenged the provincial government and those who support nuclear power plant to a public debate on the issue.
Sepulveda said that as of now, there is nothing to debate as they are not expert on the subject.
Two prominent Cebuano Representatives have expressed their full support for the local government's plan to invite investors to up nuclear power plant in the province.
Cebu's 1st District Rep. Eduardo Gullas and 6th District Rep. Luigi Quisumbing both said they see the need to have a reliable source of energy in the province.
The two Cebuano lawmakers said they are behind Garcia's move to invite nuclear power investors.
Gullas, who co-authored the House resolution seeking to review the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, said there must be a massive education drive to inform the public of the benefits of nuclear power plant.
"Nuclear power is a safe technology. Cebuanos should be comfortable with a nuclear power plant in the province," said Gullas.
Sepulveda said they are happy that discussions on the issue have started especially in the academe. (FREEMAN)