Online newsletter for the citizens of Sagunto, Sison, Pangasinan, Philippines
Former Congressman Mark O. Cojuangco was a strong advocate for the revitalization of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) during his term as 5th District Representative of Pangasinan. He authored and sponsored the bill to recommission the BNPP which unfortunately failed to be ratified in the senate before the end of his term.
The present representative of the 5th District, Congresswoman Kimi Cojuangco, picks up where he left off by now proposing a new bill to validate the feasibility of getting the BNPP in operation. Whereas congressman Mark proposed immediate recommissioning and operation of the plant, the lady representative is taking a more cautious approach by first seeking validation before the plant is put into operation.
Under the new Cojuangco bill, proposed by Congresswoman Kimi, a review of the original plans and specifications will be assessed through international standards. If BNPP is found to be safe and operation to be feasible, then rehabilitation of the plant will commence. If, however, BNPP is found to be unsafe and unfit for operation, then it is proposed that the government should stop wasting resources on this plant that has been labeled as the largest white elephant in the country.
This initiative is the main topic during a recent interview on the talk show Future Perfect where she and Dr. Carlos Arcilla, a geologist, were interviewed by the show’s host, Tony Velasquez.
Future Perfect is a new talk show that just debuted this year. One of its goals, besides it’s main one which is to highlight technology and how it can benefit the country, is to also show how politics has “derailed a number of potentially good technology projects in the country.”
The national broadband network project and the nuclear power plant in Bataan, according to Velasquez, are just some of our government’s failures in implementing technology-enabled projects that could have brought about some tremendous benefits to those who live on these islands. Technology is very profitable merchandise, it seems. And combined with the “un-moderated greed” on the part of some government officials and businessmen, it can be a most conducive incubator, or breeding ground, for “high-technology” mischief. (source: http://www.mb.com.ph/node/285598/future-perfect)
The following videos are of that conversation.
RELATED ARTICLES ON THE SAGUNTO STAR:
Introduction of the House Bill No. 4631 for the recommissioning and operation of BNPP
Analysis of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant
Congressman Cojuangco Melts Down
ON THE SISON WEBSITE:
Congresswoman Kimi Cojuangco briefly touches on the reasons why nuclear power could be beneficial for the Philippines.
Complete text of her speech at the Nuclear Power Forum Philippines which was held on December 10-11, 2010.
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Its a nuclear power plant topic that we ordinary people have a small understanding about it. But the way they discuss it here, it simplified a most complex technology into a layman’s term and understanding and gives us a picture perfect involving this sleeping white elephant waiting to be awake and used. I do agree with their arguments that we put billions of pesos to built this plant, hoping before that it will be the answers for power shortage. Apparently, the cost of maintaining the same is to the tune of 200 million pesos a year? So, why not used it instead for the common good? we dont want to waste money for nothing like a sitting duck, Its about time that we move on, have it commissioned and reap its fruits.. Japan has 50? why cant we have one.. maybe because politics had a major role.. So i say! Good work madame Cong. Kimi Cojuanco !! lets just wait now for the experts to validate the plant and eventually commissioned the same.. no more wire jumping!hehe..