Manila, Philippines—In a powerful defense of environmental stewardship and the principle of prudence, a group of Filipino bishops has voiced strong opposition to the government’s proposal to construct a nuclear power plant in Western Pangasinan, approximately 125 miles north of Manila. The Church leaders, citing profound concerns over safety, environmental impact, and moral responsibility to future generations, have called for a renewed focus on the nation’s abundant renewable energy potential.
On December 4, the spiritual leaders of the six dioceses that comprise the Ecclesiastical Province of Lingayen-Dagupan issued a pastoral letter to their flock, expressing their deep disquiet over the project.
“We, your pastors, write to you today with profound concern regarding the recent proposal to construct a nuclear power plant in western Pangasinan,” the bishops stated.
The letter was signed by a formidable group of prelates, including Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan, Bishop Napoleon B. Sipalay of Alaminos, Auxiliary Bishop Fidelis B. Layog of Lingayen-Dagupan, Bishop Jacinto A. Jose of Urdaneta, Bishop Daniel O. Presto of San Fernando, La Union, Bishop Prudencio P. Andaya of Cabanatuan, and Father Getty A. Ferrer, JCD, of the Diocese of San Jose, Nueva Ecija.
Lessons from Fukushima and the Prudence Principle
The Filipino bishops grounded their arguments not only in local concerns but also in the global experience of the Church, drawing particular insight from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan. Following the devastating Fukushima disaster, the Japanese bishops renewed their commitment to “protect life,” reminding the world that when faced with such an “unprecedented catastrophe,” one must humbly recognize the limits of human wisdom and knowledge.
The Japanese Church leaders have long maintained that “nuclear power generation is fundamentally incompatible with the vision of a ‘symbiotic society’ that respects all life without exception.” This stance was further solidified when Japanese and Korean bishops united in opposing the dumping of “treated” radioactive water into the oceans, a clear demonstration of the Church’s commitment to the integrity of creation.
The Filipino bishops also invoked the wisdom of the late Pope Francis, who “stressed the paramount importance of safety, prudence, and stewardship for future generations.” Citing the principle of prudence, a cornerstone of Catholic social teaching, the bishops argued that “the potential for a ‘huge disaster’ demands that we prioritize human safety and environmental protection above immediate economic needs”.
The Government’s Rationale and the Cost of Development
The government’s proposal, which eyes the town of Labrador in Pangasinan as a candidate site, is part of the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) 2023–2050, which targets at least 1,200 megawatts (MW) of nuclear capacity by 2032 2 3. Proponents, including local officials and lawmakers, have welcomed the plan, suggesting the plant could make the town “rich” and provide a stable, low-carbon energy source. The estimated cost of the project is at least P225 billion (approximately $4 billion USD).
The push for nuclear power is driven by the Philippines’ urgent need to secure a stable and affordable energy supply to fuel its economic growth. The government views nuclear energy as a necessary component of the energy mix, a “low-carbon option” to address the country’s power challenges.
However, the bishops’ opposition is also informed by the nation’s troubled history with nuclear power, specifically the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP). Built in the 1970s, the BNPP was never operated due to safety and economic concerns, a costly reminder of the risks involved.
The Call for Renewable Energy
In their pastoral letter, the bishops offered a clear, morally sound alternative rooted in the nation’s natural gifts.
“We are blessed with an abundance of renewable energy potential, and the solution to our energy woes exists in strict and urgent implementation of the Renewable Energy Law, which has been in effect since 2008,” the bishops asserted.
They called for a shift in investment priorities: “We must invest heavily in renewable energy infrastructure that ensures safety, resilience, and true long-term development of our people.”
The bishops’ call is particularly timely, as research indicates that the implementation and enforcement of the 2008 Renewable Energy Law have been poor, hindering the adoption and development of sustainable energy sources. The challenges in the energy sector are complex, but the bishops’ message is simple and profound:
“Pangasinan is not ours. We owe it to future generations to keep Pangasinan safe from a nuclear catastrophe. The risks are greater than the benefits”.
This pastoral intervention serves as a powerful reminder that the Church’s role extends beyond the spiritual realm into the moral and environmental dimensions of public policy, advocating for a path of development that respects both human life and the integrity of creation, in line with the teachings of Laudato Si’.
