BATANGAS 2nd District Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro on Tuesday expressed concerns over potential foreign control of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), pointing to the presence of Chinese nationals in critical leadership and technical positions at the operator of the country’s power grid.
During a hearing by the House Committee on Legislative Franchises, Luistro questioned NGCP’s compliance with constitutional provisions requiring 60% Filipino ownership and the exclusive appointment of Filipino citizens to executive and managerial roles.
Luistro cited evidence from NGCP’s records, including its General Information Sheet (GIS), which she said revealed Chinese nationals occupying key positions such as chairman of the board, as well as the involvement of NARI Group Corporation, a Chinese IT infrastructure provider, in NGCP’s operations.
“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 Chinese IT infrastructure—it seems that control over the NGCP has been compromised already in favor of foreign nationals,” Luistro said.
The NGCP, which manages the country’s power transmission grid, is 40% owned by the State Grid Corporation of China, a state-owned enterprise, while Filipino tycoons Henry Sy Jr. and Robert Coyiuto Jr. own the remaining 60% through Synergy Grid and Development Philippines.
While the ownership structure appears compliant with constitutional requirements on paper, Luistro argued that the presence of foreign nationals in strategic roles undermines the intent of the law and poses risks to national security.
She said the presence of these foreign nationals in critical positions not only undermines the intent of constitutional safeguards but also raises questions about who really has operational control over the grid.
NGCP official Pia San Diego insisted during the hearing that the company adheres to constitutional requirements, asserting that all executive and managerial officers are Filipino citizens.
However, Luistro challenged this claim, arguing that positions such as chairman of the board, chief technical officer and evaluators of bids clearly fall under managerial roles.
“How do you consider a chairman of NGCP? Is it not a managerial or executive position?” Luistro asked.
San Diego argued that the chairman is not considered an executive officer.
Luistro pointed to the 2024 GIS of the NGCP, which identifies Zhu Guangchao, a Chinese national, as chairman of the board.
She also cited other Chinese nationals in NGCP leadership, including Liu Zhaoquiang, described as assistant chief technical officer, and Liu Xinhua, chairman of the board audit committee.
“These two officers are responsible for hiring employees and signing contracts with them. Having said so, Mr. Chair, may we hear from NGCP—are you still maintaining your position that executive and managerial officers are Filipino citizens?” Luistro asked.
San Diego responded, “Your Honor, we maintain that all our executives and officers are all Filipino.”
Luistro presented additional records indicating the presence of Wen Bo, described as chief technical officer and also a Chinese national.
“With that, I wish to manifest without asking anymore that NGCP’s operations are clearly participated in by individuals who are not Filipino citizens,” Luistro said.
The hearing is part of a motu proprio inquiry into NGCP’s compliance with its legislative franchise under Republic Act (RA) 9511.
Lawmakers are investigating whether NGCP adheres to the Constitution’s requirements on foreign ownership and management of public utilities.
Luistro emphasized that the involvement of Chinese nationals in NGCP’s operations raises serious concerns about national security and compliance with constitutional safeguards.
“For this alone, it is my humble submission that the NGCP violated this constitutional provision,” she said.
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