The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant: Why Cory Aquino Refused to Operate it

The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, located in Central Luzon, Philippines, was intended to be the first nuclear power plant in Southeast Asia. However, the then-President Cory Aquino, elected in 1986, decided not to operate this facility for several compelling reasons. This decision, influenced by safety concerns, political context, economic factors, and public opposition, highlights the complexities of nuclear energy policies in the region.

Safety Concerns

Following the Chernobyl disaster of 1986, which dramatically increased global fears over nuclear safety, the Aquino administration prioritized safety in its decision-making process. The risk of an earthquake or a volcanic eruption in the Philippines posed a significant threat to the operational safety of the nuclear plant. As natural disasters are frequent in the region, the potential for a catastrophic accident was deemed too high. The administration was wary of the long-term implications of such an incident, which could have severe environmental and health ramifications.

Political Context

The construction of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant took place under Ferdinand Marcos' regime, which was marked by allegations of corruption and human rights abuses. President Aquino and her government sought to distance themselves from the Marcos legacy. Operating the nuclear plant could have been interpreted as endorsing his controversial policies, risking political backlash and public disapproval. To ensure a clean break with the past, the decision not to operate the plant was seen as a necessary gesture of political reform.

Economic Factors

The economic viability of nuclear energy was also a key consideration. The Philippines already had access to abundant alternative energy sources, such as hydroelectric power, which was more cost-effective and less risky. Further, the high capital costs associated with nuclear power plants and the commercial risks involved in their operation made the investment questionable. Critics argued that the funds could be better utilized in developing more sustainable and renewable energy solutions.

Public Opposition

Public opposition played a significant role in the decision to not commission the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. Fueled by concerns over nuclear accidents, environmental impacts, and the debates surrounding the safety and viability of nuclear energy, many Filipinos voiced their concerns. The anti-nuclear movement gained momentum, and public pressure forced the government to reconsider its stance. The government ultimately decided that public safety and trust were paramount, and operational risks were too high to justify proceeding with the plant's activation.

Ironically, even before Aquino took office, her party, the Lakas ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) and its supporters, had expressed concerns about nuclear safety. Despite this, the plant was designed, supervised, and built by American engineers and companies. Despite this connection, the decision to not operate the plant was based on a broader assessment of safety and political risk rather than a backlash against American influence.

As a result of these factors, the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant remains unused to this day, serving as a cautionary tale for countries considering the adoption of nuclear energy as an alternative power source. This decision underscores the importance of safety, economic realism, and public sentiment in nuclear policy-making. It also highlights the need for transparent planning, community engagement, and robust safeguards to ensure the responsible use of nuclear technology.