News
China allays fears over State Grid’s co-ownership of NGCP
“The allegation of China’s control over the Philippines’ power grid or threat to the country’s national security is completely groundless. Besides, the Chinese business also actively fulfills its social responsibilities.
The ‘Brighten Up’ project that brings electricity to remote areas in the Philippines has been applauded by local authorities and people,” he added. (Pixabay photo)
MANILA — The Chinese government has dismissed fears over State Grid Corporation of China’s (SGCC) co-ownership of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).
“To my knowledge, the State Grid Corporation of China took part in the Transco project as a cooperation partner, providing safe, efficient and high-quality electricity services.
The project is now operated, managed and maintained by the Philippine side, with the Chinese partner offering necessary technical support upon request,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang said in a briefing Wednesday.
“The allegation of China’s control over the Philippines’ power grid or threat to the country’s national security is completely groundless. Besides, the Chinese business also actively fulfills its social responsibilities. The ‘Brighten Up’ project that brings electricity to remote areas in the Philippines has been applauded by local authorities and people,” he added.
After dismissing the allegations as groundless, the official asked the public to look at the cooperation between the Philippines and China “in an open, objective and impartial manner”.
“There is no need to worry about the sky falling or imagine trouble where there is none,” Geng said.
“The Philippines is China’s close and friendly neighbor as well as an important partner. We support Chinese businesses’ pursuit of practical, win-win cooperation in the Philippines in accordance with laws and regulations,” he said.
Earlier, Senator Risa Hontiveros and retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said SGCC’s co-ownership of the power grid operator is a “cause of concern” due to the China-owned company’s capability to shut down the power grid.
READ: ‘Security audit’ of PH power transmission facilities urged
NGCP, which is in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the Philippines’ state-owned power grid, is a consortium of three corporations — Monte Oro Grid Resources Corporation, Calaca High Power Corporation, and the State Grid Corporation of China, with the SGCC as its technical partner.
During a recent audit of the Joint Congressional Energy Commission, Senator Risa Hontiveros revealed that lawmakers will “review and evaluate the performance of the NGCP,” as well as investigate reports alleging that China may control and remotely shut down the country’s power transmission system.
