FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —)
FIRST REGULAR SESSION )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

1724
House Bill No.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Nuclear technological risks in the Philippines are so high yet
safeguards against them are so little. Although science and technology can
cushion its impact, it can ruin lives, property, environment and ecology.
Nuclear technology disaster is something the country cannot afford.

In order to develop the programs that can help not only the
Government but also the private sector in making decisions on nuclear
technological choices, the National Nuclear Radiation Safety Board (NNRSB)
should be established

The thrust of this bill is in consonance with the Constitutional mandate
of the State to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and
healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. The
NNRSB shall be responsible for nuclear radiation protection of the general
public and thereby prevent or decrease the risks which such activities pose to
life, property and ecology.

Immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.

RUFUS B. ROBRIGUEZ

MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR.


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —)
FIRST REGULAR SESSION )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House Bill No__1724

AN ACT
CREATING THE NATIONAL NUCLEAR RADIATION SAFETY BOARD AND
DEFINING ITS SCOPE, FUNCTIONS AND POWERS

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines
in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Creation. There is hereby created a National Nuclear
Radiation Safety Board, hereinafter referred to as the NNSRB, under the
Office of the President.

SEC. 2. Purpose. In accordance with the Constitutional mandate that
the State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and
healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature, the
NNRSB shall regulate all undertakings of nuclear radiation researches,
developmental application for the safety and protection of the general public
and thereby prevent or decrease the risks which such activities pose to life,
property and ecology.

SEC. 3. Composition. The NNRSB shall be composed of seven (7)
members, which shall include the Director of the Philippine Nuclear Research
Institute (PNRI), who shall act as the Chairman of the Board, the Dean of the
University of the Philippines’ College of Science, who shall act the vice-
Chairman of the Board, the Director of the University of the Philippines’
Institute of Physics, and the Executive Director of the Philippine Council for
Health Research and Development (PCHRD) as ex-officio members and
three (3) representatives to be appointed by the President for a term of one
(1) year from any of the State Colleges and Universities, any of the non-
governmental organizations and institutions: Provided that, in the absence of
any ex-officio member, said member may designate his deputy to act in his
instead.

SEC. 4. Meetings. The NNRSB shall meet regularly once a month and
may hold special meetings to consider urgent matters upon call of the
Chairman or any three (3) members thereof.


SEC. 5. Quorum. The presence of a majority shall constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business: Provided that, affirmative vote of at least four
(4) members shall be necessary for the adoption of a resolution or a guideline.

SEC. 6. Powers and Functions. The NNSRB shall have the following
powers and functions:
(a) Formulate national guidelines and regulate nuclear radiation
research, development and application in public or private
institutions with local and/or foreign funding;

() Review, monitor, approve or reject all nuclear radiation
research, developmental and application project proposals;
© Regulate the importation and exportation, use, storage and

distribution of any radioactive substance, in close
coordination with PNRI;

@) Conduct periodic investigations, inspections and evaluations
of the standards and facilities of nuclear radiation
researches, development and application;

) Abate, enjoin or prohibit the undertaking of any nuclear
radiation research, development and application which may
be dangerous or risky to public safety;

0) Exercise such other powers and functions as may be
necessary for the effective accomplishment of the purpose
herein provided.

SEC. 7. Compensation. The ex-officio members of the NNRSB, or their
designated deputy, as the case may be, shall be entitled to per diems for
meetings attended, not exceeding Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) per meeting
and not exceeding Two Thousand Pesos (P2,000.00) per month. The other
members of the NNRSB shall receive a monthly allowance of Two Thousand
Pesos (P2,000.00).

SEC. 8. Prior Approval. No nuclear radiation research, development
and application shall be undertaken without the prior approval of the NNRSB.

SEC. 9. Penalties. Violations of the preceding section or of any
guideline or resolution adopted by the NNRSB shall be punished by
imprisonment form six (6) months to four (4) years and/or fine of not less than
Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) or both.

If the violation is committed by a corporation, partnership or
association, its President, Manager, Agent or any other official in charge of
the management thereof who committed or who knowingly participated in the
commission of said violation shall suffer the penalties herein provided:
Provided that, if the offender is an alien, in addition to the penalty herein
provided, he shall be deported without further proceedings on the part of the
Commissioner of immigration.

SEC. 10. Appropriation. To carry out the provisions of this Act, there is
hereby appropriated the sum of Three Hundred Thousand Pesos
(P300,000.00) out of the funds in the National Treasury not otherwise


appropriated. Thereafter, the succeeding appropriations of the NNRSB shall
be included in the general Appropriations Act

SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, orders, rules and
regulations, policies, programs or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with
any provision of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 12. Separability Clause. If for any reasons, any section or
provision of this Act is declared to be unconstitutional or void, the other
sections or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue in
full force and effect.

SEC. 13. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon
completion of its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved.