I oppose the revival of Nuclear Power in the Philippines because it is unsafe for the country, and no amount of security or legislation can make it look like there are enough safety precautions in place due to the systemic corruption and inefficiency of the government. What we need is a shift from nationally planned power generation to community grid power distribution. - David D'Angelo, Boses ng Kalikasan
Civil Society Groups Mark Anniversary of Welgang Bayan Against BNPP, Renew Call to Reject Nuclear Revival
18 June 2026, Quezon City — On the anniversary of the historic Welgang Bayan[1] against the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), civil society organizations, environmental defenders, and community groups renewed their opposition to reviving the facility and expanding nuclear energy development in the Philippines.
The commemoration comes as Mark Cojuangco, one of the most prominent advocates for the rehabilitation of the BNPP, is scheduled to visit the facility on the 19th, coinciding with the historic Welgang Bayan Laban sa BNPP. The media sortie is part of increasingly aggressive efforts of pro-nuclear lobbyists to manufacture consent for these problematic energy projects.
For groups opposing nuclear energy, the coincidence underscores the relevance of the calls that drove the public resistance of over 33,000 people in 1985: safety, accountability, environmental protection, and democratic participation in energy decision-making.
This year likewise marks the 33rd year of the No Nukes Asia Forum, with activities running from June 17 to 21, with the main objective of securing a nuclear-free future for Asia. Aside from marking the victory against the BNPP, NNAF returns to the Philippines this week as a serious resurgence towards the nuclear option is being pushed by government and corporate actors as a solution to the energy crisis.
As the Philippines faces worsening climate impacts, organizations emphasized the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels. However, they warned against pursuing nuclear energy as it is too expensive, too slow to deploy, and too risky for a country highly vulnerable to earthquakes, volcanic activity, typhoons, and other climate-related disasters.
Groups pointed to the lessons of Chernobyl and Fukushima, warning that the consequences of a nuclear accident in the Philippines could be severe and long-lasting. They also stressed that nuclear projects typically require massive public investment and many years of construction, diverting resources from renewable energy technologies such as solar and wind that can be deployed more quickly and at lower cost.
Advocates further raised concerns over the environmental impacts of uranium extraction, the unresolved issue of radioactive waste, and the risks posed by weak governance, regulatory capture, and political interference in large-scale infrastructure projects. Furthermore, they cautioned against allowing the country's energy future to become tied to the geopolitical interests of foreign powers and multinational corporations promoting nuclear technology.
The history of the BNPP itself remains a powerful warning. Despite costing billions of dollars, the facility never generated electricity and left Filipino taxpayers burdened with debt for decades. Organizations warned against repeating the same mistake at a time when renewable energy has become increasingly accessible, affordable, and capable of meeting the country's energy needs.
Groups challenged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to abandon all plans to rehabilitate the BNPP and halt the development of new nuclear projects, including Small Modular Reactors. Instead, they urged policymakers to prioritize renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate resilience, and community-based energy solutions that can deliver affordable, reliable, and sustainable power while protecting people and the environment.
For more information and interview requests, please contact:
James Relativo, Greenpeace Communications Campaigner james.relativo@greenpeace.org | +63 919 069 3424
Nazareth del Pilar, NGO Forum on ADB Just Transitions Advocacy Officer nazareth@forum-adb.org | +63 928 900 7647
Pecier Decierdo, tala storytelling collective Narrative Research Director pecier@talastory.studio | +63 995 585 2073
DJ Janier, Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya, NFBM Network Coordinator kilusan.ph.comms@gmail.com |+63 933 641 2694
Derek Cabe, Coordinator, Nuclear-Free Bataan Movement ncfbmovement@gmail.com I +639237298769
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