Nuclear Energy in the Philippines

Proponents of nuclear energy say the power source could save us from high energy prices. It produces the most energy for the fixed and variable costs and requires less land to put up. Detractors fear a nuclear meltdown thanks to incompetence and inefficiency thanks to corruption.

Senator Miriam Santiago wants us to reexamine our nuclear policy. Despite my opposition to the use of nuclear energy, I think this would be a good idea. If anything, I'm convinced it will be a reminder of why we shouldn't pursue this technology.

What I fear is that we have only demonstrated marginal ability in handling the operations of the country. Are we prepared for a regional responsibility? I say nuclear energy is not just about us because a large incident will affect our neighbors. Even something that gets into the local waters will spread to affect wildlife in South East Asia. If we're not afraid for ourselves then maybe we should have some consideration for our neighbors.

What I'd like to see before we start playing with nuclear energy are government agencies and infrastructure that reach an acceptable level of efficiency. 

We can start with really simple things like jaywalking and littering. Then we can move on to larger things like implementing safety procedures on construction sites. How about being less selective in enforcing the building code? Maybe one day we can be efficient enough to handle our garbage problems and prevent the pollution of rivers, overfishing in lakes and illegal logging. Maybe we can have efficient planning and communication so rescuers actually have rubber rafts during a storm and police have an idea of how to handle hostage situations. Are you getting the picture now?

Just because someone would benefit from a car and is capable of buying a car doesn't automatically mean he should be driving one.

Radiation Prank Texts

On March 14,2011 there was a text message making the rounds that claimed radiation from Japan would reach the Philippines by 4pm. I checked the supposed source of the information, the BBC, and found no mention of a massive radiation leak. The Nuclear Research Institute and the International Energy Commission also did not have any warnings. The text was a prank.

It's times like these that I'm glad we don't have a nuclear power plant in the country. I can imagine the panic when a text like this would mention a national nuclear plant. Given the trouble Japan's having over the endangered nuclear plants, I think we should seriously reconsider our ideas. We can barely respond properly when storms and motor accidents strike. Remember Ondoy? Nobody had rubber rafts despite the fact it rains yearly. How about the settlers on the banks of rivers that often flood. Or the incident where dam authorities released water and forgot to tell local governments. Can you imagine that comedy of errors in a nuclear incident?