EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )

First Regular Session )
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez
2738
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. BUEZ


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez

House Bill No, 2738

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 (PNR), 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 shalll 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;


(d) 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;

) 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 aws, 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,