The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) assured that China’s significant ownership of the company does not pose a risk to Philippine national security.
In a report by Manila Standard, NGCP board member Francis Chua clarified that fewer than 12 Chinese nationals are directly involved in the day-to-day activities of the power transmission firm.
These individuals are employees of the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC), which holds a 40% stake in NGCP.
Chua stressed that the grid is primarily operated by Filipino personnel who received training in China, with their operations extending nationwide. He added that while the Filipino staff have undergone thorough training in China, the Philippine power grid still relies heavily on Chinese technology.
The NGCP board member questioned what would happen if the Chinese stakeholders were to leave, asking how the grid would function in the event of technical failures without their expertise.
Chua, who also serves as chairman emeritus of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), highlighted that many countries rely on Chinese expertise to manage their electricity grids.
He noted that China’s involvement in grid operations is not limited to the Philippines but extends globally.
Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed concerns on Wednesday over the extent of Chinese nationals’ involvement in the leadership and management of the country’s power grid. She questioned whether Chinese participation in NGCP’s operations is truly confined to advisory roles.
NGCP is the sole transmission service provider in the Philippines, responsible for over 21,000 circuit kilometers of transmission lines, 20,000 towers, and 140 substations.
