Senator Win Gatchalian on Tuesday, May 5, expressed strong support for the Philippines’ adoption of key international nuclear conventions, underscoring the need to reinforce safety, liability, and public confidence as the country explores nuclear energy development.

Speaking during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Gatchalian backed the continued review of four major treaties: the Convention on Nuclear Safety, the Protocol amending the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage, the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage, and the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel and Radioactive Waste Management.

He stressed that ratifying these agreements would align the Philippines with global nuclear standards and strengthen safeguards for any future nuclear energy program.

According to him, establishing a strong legal and regulatory framework is essential not only for operational safety but also for addressing public concerns.

“Maraming agam-agam sa isip ng ating mga kababayan, hindi natin maaalis ‘yan… Kailangan po natin ng ganito para mabigyan po natin ng assurance at kumpiyansa ang taong-bayan na napakadaming pag-aaral at proteksyon ang ginagawa natin,” Gatchalian said, emphasizing the importance of transparency and rigorous safety measures.

Gatchalian also noted that clear liability mechanisms under international conventions would be crucial in protecting both the public and the government in the event of nuclear-related incidents while helping build trust in long-term energy planning.

The committee is expected to continue its deliberations as part of broader efforts to evaluate the country’s readiness for potential nuclear energy integration.