Philippines president Ferdinand Marcos Jr said “this is the right time” to reexamine the country’s approach and policy towards using nuclear energy, noting that with modern technology, safeguards have been placed against possible accidents.

During his State of the Nation Address, Marcos said that should the country opt to use nuclear energy under his term, the government will use guidelines adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

“In the area of nuclear power, there have been new technologies developed that [allow] smaller scale, modular, nuclear plants, and other derivations thereof. Once again, PPPs [public-private partnerships] will play a part in support as funding in this period is limited,” Marcos added.

Marcos, the son and namesake of the late Philippine dictator, said before winning a recent presidential election that he favours nuclear power. Marcos Jr, known as “Bongbong” was inaugurated as the country’s new president in June.