DEPUTY Speaker David “Jayjay” Suarez of Quezon questioned the significant authority exercised by Chinese nationals in the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), including the election of a Chinese national as chairman and the involvement of another Chinese executive, “Wenbo,” in approving land purchases for NGCP projects.
“So how is it possible that the chairman of NGCP was able to be elected as chairman when their shares only represent not even half or minority of the company? Oftentimes, the majority shareholders would be able to elect their chairman. How is it here in NGCP, a minority share was able to hold chairmanship of the company?” Suarez asked during the January 14 hearing of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises.
“Understood. The board of directors would elect. Now, isn’t it quite ironic that a minority shareholder will hold the highest position in the company?” Suarez continued.
Atty. Lally Mallari of NGCP acknowledged that Zhu Guangchao, a Chinese national, is the company’s current chairman.
“Mr. Chair, insofar as the composition of the board of directors, the chairman, Mr. Chair, from what I understand, is just presiding. So not much functions,” she said.
Suarez responded sharply, “No, no, no. But regardless, di ba? That’s the chairman. 60% is Filipino-owned iyan. Mas gugustuhin ko na ang chairman Filipino. Bakit ko ibibigay sa dayuhan iyan eh 40% lang yung kanilang hawak.”
“Can I also ask Mr. Chair if indeed Atty. Mallari’s testimony is correct? Can I also request the minutes of the elections of how the board conducted themselves, Mr. Chair?” he added.
Mallari confirmed she would comply with the request for the minutes. Suarez further highlighted the issue of executive control, referencing a Chinese executive, “Wenbo,” who reportedly ask for authorizations for land acquisitions for NGCP projects.
“I have documents here from NGCP addressed to the president of the company from their chief technical officer, whose name is Wenbo. And the subject of the document is request for approval of authority to purchase lands and land rights,” Suarez said.
“Bakit hindi po ba ito pwedeng ipagkatiwala sa Pilipino? Pati po ba ‘yung pagbili ng lupa? Sila na rin po ang magdedesisyon? Sila din po ang mag-a-approve? Bakit po ganun?” he asked.
Mallari responded that she was not familiar with Wenbo’s role and suggested that his involvement may have been during earlier years.
“Your Honor, the date of the document is 2014. Perhaps if we could look back to our GIS for 2014, perhaps his name may appear there, Mr. Chair,” she said, adding that no Chinese national currently occupies an executive position in NGCP.
Suarez remained unconvinced, saying, “Documents don’t lie. We find ourselves in a very peculiar situation right now, where sovereignty is a very sensitive topic in our country.”
“Are they actually really in our seas or are they actually in our system? Are they even deciding certain decisions that should be left for Filipinos to decide?” he stated.
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