Philippine military to look into security threat from Chinese stake in power grid
The Philippines is looking into the possible security threat of China’s co-ownership of the country’s lone power transmission line.
Lawmakers recently called for a review of the 40-per-cent stake of State Grid Corp of China in the National Grid Corp of the Philippines (NGCP), which won the bid in 2009 to run the power lines.
In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the matter was within the bounds of the NGCP and also with the National Power Corp.
“NGCP is privy to the contract, the provisions therein, and the necessary safeguards in place. Hence, they are in the best position to answer that at this time,” AFP spokesperson Brig-General Edgard Arevalo said in a statement.
But he also said they would remain involved in discussions with related agencies on the security concerns.
“That does not mean however that we will not be discussing the security aspect of the issue with concerned agencies. We will participate on matters relevant to our competency,” he said.
“We submit that Congress is well within its powers to conduct an inquiry if it so desires given its oversight and legislative functions,” he added.