At this time when Chinese aggression looms large over the West Philippine Sea and beyond, we must unswervingly confront another pressing threat—foreign control of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). It is abundantly clear that allowing a significant portion of our national energy infrastructure to fall under the influence of foreign entities, particularly the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC), poses a dire risk not only to our energy security but also to our national sovereignty.
The recent push for a congressional inquiry into NGCP’s alleged violations of the Anti-Dummy Law speaks volumes about growing concerns over this public utility. According to House Committee on Ways and Means chairperson Joey Salceda, the framework of NGCP’s ownership raises serious eyebrows. While legislative representatives examine the convoluted layers of its corporate structure, it is evident that substantial foreign influence remains at play. NGCP, which operates the lifeblood of our nation’s power grid, must be unequivocally Filipino owned to ensure that our energy resources can be wielded solely for the benefit of our people.
At present, the NGCP presents itself as 60% Filipino-owned through Synergy Grid of the Philippines (SGP). However, a closer look reveals that 40% lies in the hands of SGCC—a Chinese state-owned company. This is a direct affront to the foundational principles meant to dictate the ownership of our vital industries. We are not merely discussing shareholders; we are confronting a governance structure that permits a foreign entity with close ties to an authoritarian regime to exert influence over a critical national resource. With Chinese nationals holding key positions—including the chairman—it is absurd for anyone to claim that SGCC does not have operational control.
Salceda has pointed out the structural complexities that mask true ownership and control. The “grandfather rule” serves as a check against this insidious infiltration and requires scrutiny of those benefiting from companies like SGP. If any semblance of doubt exists regarding ownership and governance, an investigation must ensue. No stone should be left unturned for the sake of our country’s energy independence. The presence of foreign interests within what should be a Filipino bastion is more than a legal issue; it is a matter of national pride and security.
We cannot afford to let our electricity—an essential component of everyday life—become a bargaining chip or a point of leverage for any foreign power. Reports have already surfaced stating that the SGCC has secured the “right to run” the Philippine grid, indicating an alarming violation of our rights as a sovereign nation. Energy security intertwined with foreign interference spells disaster; inefficiencies and threats can emerge at the drop of a hat, jeopardizing the livelihoods of millions across this archipelago.
This is not just about highfalutin laws or regulatory measures; it’s about protecting Filipinos from the perils of economic subservience. The Anti-Dummy Law must be enforced to its fullest extent. If evidence confirms violations, including excessive foreign influence and profit—practices outright illegal under our constitution—we must take drastic action. That includes not just penalties but seizing this crucial infrastructure back into the hands of the government, safeguarding it from the trappings of greedy corporate interests.
Our stance is clear: the NGCP is not merely a business; it is integral to our national framework and our collective future. No Filipino should remain powerless against rising foreign influence during such precarious times. We must insist upon full government ownership of NGCP, stripped of foreign oversight, standing tall as a beacon of national pride and self-sufficiency. The time has come for decisive action to reclaim our energy sovereignty before it slips further from our grasp. Let us fortify our nation’s capacity to stand resilient in the face of external pressures, ensuring our energy supply remains utterly in Filipino hands, now and for generations to come. (next story)
Jail traders who can’t moderate their greed
It is high time we scrutinize the pervasive greed that plagues our food supply chain. We stand at a critical juncture—one where middlemen and retailers are not merely participants in the market but notorious players distorting prices beyond reason. While various parties scramble to deflect blame toward supply chain disruptions and global market fluctuations, let’s be clear: the real culprits are the traders who exploit every opportunity to line their own pockets at the expense of consumers.
Consider the case of tomatoes—a staple in our diet and abundantly produced in our own backyards. Despite sufficiency in local supply, consumers are forced to part with anywhere from P300 to P450 per kilo. The audacity peaks when you realize that a single piece of tomato can demand nearly P30! How can something so basic, with ample local production, become priced comparably to pork? This phenomenon is not isolated; it echoes through the corridors of our marketplace, affecting rice, beef, fish, and vegetables alike.
Take imported rice as another glaring example. The landed cost is approximately P32 per kilo, yet it often sells for upwards of P60 in public markets. This outrageous markup does not reflect legitimate operational costs but instead represents a blatant act of profiteering by importers, middlemen, and retailers. They have turned the food market into a playground for greed, leaving ordinary citizens to grapple with exorbitant prices for items that should rightfully be within reach.
This rampant inflation extends to other essential commodities as well. Farm gate prices for chicken, pork, and beef remain dismally low, while the inflated prices at which they are sold to us reveal just how voraciously these traders feast on our wallets. With such systemic exploitation at play, one must ask: what exactly constitutes an acceptable markup? Are we to simply accept these exorbitant profit margins that hurt consumers while allowing traders to bask in their ill-gotten gains? Is it not time for some form of regulation?
Advocates of unfettered market forces often argue against price controls, suggesting they disrupt natural economic dynamics. However, when faced with an obstinate group of traders whose greed knows no bounds, it becomes evident that intervention is not just reasonable—it is imperative. Our government has new laws against prohibiting profiteering, hoarding, and agricultural sabotage. The current free-for-all enables traders to exploit market conditions without consequence must be terminated immediately
Let us be crystal clear: it is not enough to merely mitigate this issue on the surface. The imposition of stringent regulations and accountability measures for traders who choose to prioritize profits over people is a moral necessity. It is about time we see these greedy traders held accountable—preferably behind bars where they belong.
When the very essence of our survival—the food we eat—is manipulated for profit, it is not only a breach of trust but a betrayal of our communal welfare. It’s time to reclaim our food system and ensure that it serves the people, not the insatiable appetites of privileged few. We must be freed from the shackles of this excessive greed.