Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro expressed concern about the potential foreign control over the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), as Chinese nationals are seated in critical leadership roles.
On Tuesday, the lawmaker questioned the NGCP on its compliance with the constitutional provisions, citing that Filipinos are entitled to 60% ownership, including the exclusive appointment of Filipino citizens to executive and managerial positions within the company. The concern was raised during the House Committee on Legislative Franchises hearing.
Additionally, Luistro pointed out that Chinese nationals occupy critical roles within the NGCP, stating that some are seated as the Board Chairman and Chief Technical Officer. A few foreigners are also involved with the Chinese IT infrastructure provider, NARI Group Corporation, as stated in the NGCP’s General Information Sheet (GIS).
"It is indeed my humble submission, that while based on the General Information Sheet of NGCP, only 40% is Chinese-owned, considering, however, the presence of Chinese citizens—one as chairman, the other two as evaluators of bids, the other one as chief technical officer, and NARI, which I believe is [a] Chinese IT infrastructure—it seems that control over the NGCP has been compromised already in favour of foreign nationals," Luistro emphasized.
According to Luistro, their involvement in technical positions within the NGCP can be considered a threat to national security. This came after NGCP official Pia San Diego maintained that the company abides by the requirements of the law, assuring that all managerial and executive positions are occupied by Filipinos.
Luistro contested San Diego’s statements and referred to the records that detailed Chinese nationals occupying executive and managerial roles in the company.
"I wish to manifest without asking anymore that NGCP's operations are clearly participated in by individuals who are not Filipino citizens,” she said.
Luistro stated that the NGCP violated the constitutional provisions on foreign ownership and management of public utilities. She suggested a need for deeper scrutiny of the company’s operations, including an assessment of the national threat.
Filipino tycoons Henry Sy Jr. and Robert Coyiuto Jr. own 60% of the NGCP through Synergy Grid and Development Philippines, while 40% is owned by China’s State Grid Corporation.
