The Philippines is studying nuclear power generation and will submit specific proposals to the international atomic energy agency in November, energy secretary Alfonso cusey said October 30.

The Philippine government has drafted an executive order supporting the development of nuclear energy by the department of energy for President rodrigo duterte to sign. Duterte said security is his top priority.

Supporters argue that developing nuclear power will lower electricity prices. Opponents argue that nuclear power relies on imported uranium, that waste disposal costs are high and that safety risks are high.

The bataan nuclear power plant was built in the north of the Philippines in 1984. Affected by the 1986 reactor explosion at chernobyl and the fall of Ferdinand marcos's government, the bataan plant has been idled ever since.

Cusey said the Philippine government recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Russia's state atomic energy company on a preliminary feasibility study for building a nuclear power plant. (From CNNPN)