China rejects alleged control of Philippine grid

THE Chinese government said it has no control over the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, belying claims made by an opposition Senator.

“To my knowledge, the State Grid Corp. of China took part in the Transco (National Transmission Corporation) project as a cooperation partner, providing safe, efficient and high-quality electricity services,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuan said at a Nov. 27 briefing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to a transcript emailed to media.

“The project is now operated, managed and maintained by the Philippine side, with the Chinese partner offering necessary technical support upon request.”

Senator Risa N. Hontiveros-Baraquel earlier filed a resolution seeking a national security audit over concerns that China might be accessing the country’s power grid system.

The State Grid Corp. of China was part of the group that was awarded the 25-year concession agreement to operate Transco’s power transmission facilities.

Ms. Baraquel earlier recalled that during a Nov. 21 hearing on the Energy department’s budget, TransCo President Melvin Matibag said a third party, in this case, China, could disable the power grid.

Mr. Geng dismissed the concern, citing the closeness and friendship of the two countries.

“The allegation of China’s control over the Philippines’ power grid or threat to the country’s national security is completely groundless,” he said.

“The Philippines is China’s close and friendly neighbor as well as an important partner.”

He also noted that China fulfills its social responsibilities through the “Brighten Up” project, which seeks to provide electricity to far-flung areas. — Charmaine A. Tadalan