Ayon kay Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo, nagsumite na ng draft ng executive order si Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea kay Pangulong Duterte noon pang February 20 pero hindi pa ito naaprubahan ng Punong Ehekutibo.
Ayon kay Panelo, natalakay muli ang naturang usapin sa Cabinet meeting dahil sa inaasahang pagtaas ng demand ng elektrisidad.
Ayon kay Panelo, hindi naman binanggit ng pangulo ang pagbuhay muli sa Bataan Nuclear Power Plant maging ang pagtatayo ng bagong nuclear facility.
Hindi rin matukoy ni Panelo kung ang EO ni Pangulong Duterte ay bilang paghahanda na rin sa ikinakasang kasunduan ng Pilipinas at Russia para sa planong pagtatayo ng nuclear power plant sa bansa.
“Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi tackled the preparations of the government anent the power sector for short-term and long-term outlook, as well as the corrective policy issuances being undertaken by the Energy Department. Sec. Cusi likewise sought the approval of the issuance of a proposed executive order for the inclusion of nuclear power in the country’s energy mix as the Philippines is expected to have a rapid growth in electricity demand, in which a 24/7 power is essential and necessary,” pahayag ni Panelo.