CLARK, Pampanga – Former Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) engineer Eliseo ‘Bot’ Bautista has renewed calls for the revival and operation of the long-mothballed nuclear facility, citing its potential to drastically reduce power costs for Filipino households and businesses.
Speaking during the CLMA Pampanga Kapihan at Swissotel in Clark, Bautista—who currently serves as Vice President of B12 Construction—emphasized that operating the plant could cut electricity expenses by up to 70%.
“Malaking tulong po sa ating ekonomiya at mga kababayan kung bubuksan ang Bataan Nuclear Power Plant,” Bautista said, highlighting the project’s impact on long-term energy affordability and economic competitiveness.
He also addressed long-standing public safety concerns, asserting that the BNPP remains structurally sound.
“Pagdating po sa safety, safe to operate ang power plant. Kailangan lang i-assess dahil hindi ito nagamit simula noong natapos—dahil sa pulitika,” he added.
Constructed in the 1980s but never fueled or commissioned, the BNPP has become a symbol of stalled energy policy in the Philippines. However, with rising electricity costs and increasing demand for sustainable energy, nuclear power is once again being floated as a viable alternative in the national energy mix.
Bautista’s remarks come amid renewed discussions on energy diversification, and as several lawmakers push for feasibility studies and public consultations on the BNPP’s reactivation.