NGCP assurances hit for being ‘self-serving’

SEN. Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros said on Tuesday that the assertions made by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) that its power transmission system is secure from any attempt to shut it down is self-serving.

“Such assertions are self-serving and do not prove anything unless they are supported by credible evidence,” said Hontiveros when reached by the The Manila Times to comment on the said NGCP statement.

SEN. Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros

“Since 2019, we have been urging a review and evaluation of the NGCP's performance, as well as an investigation into reports that China may be able to control and remotely shut down the nation's power transmission system. Until a national security audit of NGCP is conducted, we cannot be certain that our energy systems and infrastructure remain fully under Filipino control,” Hontiveros added.

“Let it be clear to the NGCP that they are not the proper authority to deal with national security issues,” she further added.

Hontiveros pointed out that national security should not, or cannot be privatized, or worse, be under the control of an alien or a foreign country. It is the function of our government,” she said.