China amenable to probe on NCGP

THE Chinese government on Thursday expressed cooperation with an impending investigation by the Philippine Senate on the issue of ownership of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

Wang Wenbin, spokesman of China’s Foreign Ministry, said they back the Chinese companies “in carrying out practical cooperation in the Philippines in accordance with laws and regulations and producing greater mutual benefits.”

“The Philippines is a friendly neighbor and important partner of China,” Wang said, in his regular press briefing on Wednesday night.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has given Sen. Raffy Tulfo the green light to look into the real situation of the country’s energy grid systems operator, particularly on the question of ownership to determine if the utility is controlled by Chinese. Tulfo, chairman the Senate Committee on Energy, filed Resolution No. 609 calling for an inquiry on the NGCP because of possible security concerns as it is 40-percent owned by the State Grid Corporation of China.

The President has also said the government might reclaim control of N Malacañang said earlier that the Philippine government might take back control of the NGCP if it was proven that there were national security concerns and if the company was ineffective in fulfilling its mandate.

The Palace issued the statement after Tulfo met with the President to express his intention to look into the NGCP.

“Firstly, Senator Tulfo expressed his desire to assess the performance of the NGCP, which has also raised concerns among several other senators. Secondly, Senator Tulfo aimed to examine the security aspect, particularly on who truly controls the corporation,” the Presiden- tial Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement.

“The President agreed with the senator’s proposal to conduct a comprehensive study or hold hearings to determine the actual situation. If necessary, the government will take back control of the entity,” it added.

Forty percent of NGCP is owned by the State Grid Corporation of China, while the remaining 60 percent is Filipino-owned. Tulfo said the Chinese ownership “poses a serious national security threat,” considering the conflict over the West Philippine Sea.

Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito also expressed concerns over the State Grid Corp.’s stake in the NGCP.

Aviation execs ensure hasslefree, safe flights

By Joel E. Zurbano

FLIGHT disruptions caused by equipment malfunction is now a thing of the past.

Aviation authorities on Thursday made this assurance following completion of the Air Traffic Management System (ATMS) upgrade and maintenance on May 3 and 17.

“The Philippines now has a robust system to ensure safety and convenience of the flying public,“ said Air Traffic Service chief Marlene Singson. Singson said the completion of the corrective maintenance replacing the old uninterruptible power supply with two brand new UPS, the new automatic voltage regulator (AVR) and the upgraded power system at the Air Traffic Management Center (ATMC) guaranteed a continuous safe air traffic management within the Philippine Flight Information Region (FIR).

Bogus MMDA agent in extortion racket falls

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday warned the public against unscrupulous individuals using the agency to extort money.

MMDA chairman Romando Artes issued the warning following an entrapment operation in Quezon City, resulting in the arrest of a 36-year-old man who allegedly posed as MMDA employee and demanded money from a terminal operator.

Artes said he will not condone ille - gal activities detrimental to the agency, whether done by ordinary citizen or MMDA employee.

“Wrongdoings like kotong or payola will never be tolerated. We call on the public to be on the lookout for these dubious people and report suspected illegal transactions. We will not let anyone tarnish the image of the MMDA,” he said.

Joint elements from the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) and MMDA Intelligence and Investigation Office ar-

By Rio N. Araja

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday welcomed the government’s openness and response to the findings and recommendations of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CE -

THE Cordillera Administrative Region has set into motion its first housing project under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) program.

Benguet and Baguio City officials led the groundbreaking ceremony for a 6,400-unit shelter project in Sitio Topi- rested the suspect, identified as Jacob Arellano, of Antipolo Rizal, during the entrapment in Cubao on Wednesday.

The operation stemmed from the complaint of a terminal operator of UV Express vans about Arellano’s illegal activities.

Based on a police report, a commuter van stationed at the complainant’s terminal was impounded for colorum operations on April 27 and was brought to the MMDA Tumana impounding site in Marikina City. Joel E. Zurbano

DAW) in relation to the grievances of the Malaya Lolas, a non-profit organization that provides support to survivors of sexual slavery during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during the World War II.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. acknowledged the “grave atrocities endured by the brave Filipino women nao, Barangay Poblacion in Tuba town, with Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund representing the Department of Human Settlements.

Aiming to further expand sustainable communities in the region, the project site spanning 6.4 hectares would allocate a solid five-hectare area for shelter, during the wars of the 20th century.” and the rest for mixed-use development.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines extends its appreciation to all stakeholders for their understanding, cooperation, and support throughout the ATMC power upgrade process.

“We continuously recognizes the importance of seamless air traffic management, and it remains committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and efficiency,” said CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio.

Apolonio said the power upgrade and corrective maintenance activity at ATMC were executed without causing any inconvenience to the riding public.

Underscoring that his administration «upholds the primacy of human rights and values the well-being of all Filipino women and girls,” the President announced that government agencies were already crafting a comprehensive response to the UN women’s rights committee.

Housing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar expressed hopes for the project in serving as a model urban development that promotes sustainable and progressive housing communities while protecting cultural heritage and natural resources. Rio N. Araja

SWEET SUPPLY. A worker repacks locallyproduced sugar at the Dagonoy Public Market in San Andres Bukid, Manila on Thursday, May 18, 2023. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently approved the additional importation of up to 150,000 metric tons of sugar to stabilize the commodity’s price.

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