Stopping the Construction of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant

November 13, 1979

LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 957

The Commission on Nuclear Reactor Plants, which I created on June 15, 1979, has submitted a report to me containing the facts found and the conclusions drawn by it in the course of its official inquiry.

Among other things, the Commission has come to the conclusion that, as designed, the Bataan Nuclear Plant is not safe, and therefore is a potential hazard to the health and safety of the public.

In view of these findings, it will not be possible to continue with the construction of the Bataan Nuclear Plant unless the contractor, Westinghouse, introduces fundamental changes in design and adapts additional, adequate and acceptable safeguards to ensure its safety and protect the health of the public.

The Minister of Justice, Minister of Finance, Minister of Energy, and the Solicitor General are hereby directed to take immediate and appropriate steps to safeguard the interest of the government, which is imperative on account of the objectionable features of the plant as designed as well as the contract. These steps should include effort to effect a moratorium on the payment of interest on loans and other obligations incurred to finance the project, and immediate termination and/or renegotiation of the contract. cd i

The above mentioned officials shall report to me the progress of the work herein directed to be done.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 13th day of November, in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Seventy-Nine.