Duterte Warns There Will Be Quarrel If China Cuts PH Powerline
DUTERTE WARNS CHINA – Recently, some Senators raised a concern that China might be able to remotely cut the powerlines of the Philippines.
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.
Following this, President Rodrigo Duterte gave a warning to China. He said that there would be a quarrel if China would cut the power of the Philippines.
I will tell China: ‘You know, China, if you do that then there will be a quarrel. I mean not overcome you but I said you will receive from me a mouthful. Then I’ll go to other places and look for help
President Rodrigo Duterte
According to a report from Inquirer, Duterte also said that the United States is not available for all of the Philippine’s needs. Following this, he stated that China extended help in the form of a business.
However, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang cited that the allegations are completely groundless. He insisted that operations are managed by the Philippines’ side.
In addition, the spokesperson said that the Chinese partner is merely there to offer technical support if requested. Meanwhile, the NGCP said that there is nothing to be alarmed by.
They added that the 40% stake in investments that China has on NGCP is only limited to being a technical adviser. The NGCP is a private firm that was established in 2009.
It is tasked to operate, maintain, and develop the Philippines ‘ state-owned power grid. It also gives electricity to a huge part of the country.
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