Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 243)
The main purpose of Executive Order No. 243 is to create a Nuclear Power Steering Committee tasked with providing policies, direction, monitoring, evaluation, and other functions necessary to attain the objectives of the overall Nuclear Power Program of the Philippines.
The Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE) serves as the Chairman of the Nuclear Power Steering Committee.
The Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) serve as Co-Chairmen.
The Committee is tasked to provide policies, direction, monitoring, evaluation, prepare action plans including time tables and work programs, determine sources of funding, create inter-agency subcommittees, call on government agencies for assistance, and hire technical consultants as needed.
Members include the Secretaries of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), Department of Justice (DOJ), Director-General of National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Secretary of the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS), President of the National Power Corporation (NPC), Director of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), a Presidential Assistant in the Office of the President, and two private sector members appointed by the President.
The NPC is the lead agency of the Siting Study Subcommittee, responsible for coordinating studies on potential nuclear power plant sites, providing administrative and secretariat support to the Committee, and undertaking feasibility studies for construction and operation of nuclear power plants.
The Subcommittee on Radioactive Waste Management is responsible, and it is led by the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI).
A Subcommittee on Nuclear Energy-Related Legislation, led by the Department of Justice, is tasked to draft and work for the passage of necessary legislation to support the nuclear power program.
Led by the DOST, this Subcommittee is responsible for developing a nuclear manpower development program in collaboration with relevant agencies.
Ten Million Pesos (P10,000,000.00) is set aside from the Contingency Fund of the Office of the President for the initial implementation, subject to approval of work and financial plans by the Office of the President.
The Committee must submit an initial report within six (6) months of the effectivity of the order and succeeding reports every six (6) months thereafter to the Office of the President.
The Committee is authorized to hire technical consultants of proven and internationally recognized expertise in nuclear technology as may be deemed necessary.
The Committee may request assistance from international bodies such as the International Atomic Energy Agency and the United Nations Development Program.
Led by the DECS, this Subcommittee is tasked with formulating an effective nuclear power public education and information program, including training for science teachers, inclusion of nuclear subjects in engineering curricula, and coordination for reviving the M.S. in Nuclear Engineering program at the University of the Philippines.
Executive Order No. 243 took effect immediately upon its signing on May 12, 1995.