SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS __)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
‘Second Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House Bill No. 6813

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.

Mt.

MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR.


SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
‘Second Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House Bill No, 6813,

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;

(b) 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
(10,000.00) 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 (300,000.00) 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 Ciause. 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,