Rising global oil market instability and increasing electricity costs are reigniting discussions on nuclear energy as a long-term solution to the Philippines’ growing energy security challenges.
The renewed debate comes amid continued geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Iran, which have disrupted global oil markets and intensified concerns over fuel supply stability, inflation, and rising power costs in the Philippines.
The country remains heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels, with coal accounting for more than 60 percent of the nation’s power generation mix. This dependence continues to expose the Philippine economy to international supply disruptions and volatile energy prices.
According to reports cited in the discussion, Filipino households continue to pay some of the highest electricity rates in Asia, while Manila Electric Company recently increased residential electricity rates to around PHP14 per kWh in early 2026.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has previously warned that the country remains highly vulnerable to global oil price shocks due to its reliance on imported fuel. Meanwhile, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry has emphasized that affordable and reliable electricity is critical to attracting foreign investments, particularly in manufacturing, technology infrastructure, and data-driven industries.
Amid the growing energy concerns, Mark Cojuangco renewed calls for the development of nuclear power through House Bill No. 8567, which proposes incentives and financing mechanisms aimed at accelerating nuclear energy projects in the country.
Former Philippine Nuclear Research Institute Director Dr. Carlo Arcilla said nuclear energy could provide stable baseload electricity while significantly reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.
Supporters of nuclear energy argue that unlike intermittent renewable sources such as solar and wind, nuclear plants can generate continuous large-scale electricity supply needed to support long-term economic growth and industrial expansion.
Gayle Certeza also stressed the importance of diversifying the country’s energy mix, noting that renewable energy sources still require backup generation from fossil fuel plants when supply fluctuates.
The renewed push for nuclear energy follows the enactment of the PhilAtom Act, which strengthened the country’s nuclear regulatory framework and opened discussions on future nuclear infrastructure development.
