China Possibly Able To Cut Power Off From Philippines
CHINA – The Senate committee on energy would be conducting a probe into an inquiry brought up by the National Transmission Corp. (TRANSCO) that China could cut portions of the Philippines’ power remotely.
The concern was brought up during the deliberations on the proposed budget for the Department of Energy (DOE). There, the matter of Chinese ownership of 40% of the National Grid Corp of the Philippines (NGCP) was tackled.
NGCP is a privately owned company that heads operations, maintenance, and development of the Philippines’ state-owned power grid. However, 40% of it is owned by China’s State Grid Corp.
Based on an article from Philstar, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Sen. Risa Hontiveros first raised the concern. They emphasized that China could be the best when it comes to information and communication tech.
“About the control of the Chinese in the NGCP, while we have not achieved full control, can another actor take down our power grid?”, Honstiveros asked Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian.
Gatchalian answered that such a situation was possible given the current technology and advancements in software. With this, Senators echoed that there should be a contingency plan in case of such a remote shutdown.
However, the Senator clarified that there was no direct evidence to support the State Grid Of China has the capability to shut down NGCP. Although he explained that the “technology is available”.
So, we’re now going to scrutinize the technical aspects. It’s difficult to say they have the technology installed. But the technology is available. That’s why Transco is requesting to conduct a technical and financial and legal audit of NGCP
Senator. Shewrwin Gatchalian
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