The House Committee on Legislative Franchises chaired by Parañaque City Rep. Gus Tambunting on Tuesday resumed its review on the readiness of power utilities to deal with the La Niña phenomenon.
House Resolution (HR) 895, which is the basis of the review, cited 33 unfinished and pending national power line constructions that have been delayed for five to six years.
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) cited right-of-way concerns and the process of getting permits as reasons behind the delays.
“It appears that NGCP has a very convenient excuse not to complete the transmission lines because of the right of way issue when third-party contractors from private sectors are finishing power line constructions despite these concerns,” Tambunting said.
Undersecretary Sharon Garin of the Department of Energy (DOE) described the reasons given as the unlikely root of delays because of the existing collaborations between DOE, NGCP, the Supreme Court and Department of Justice, along with local government units, to remedy expropriation problems relating to transmission line constructions.
She added that NGCP's projects are doable within their supposed time of completion considering they are of national significance.
Pangasinan Rep. Mark Cojuangco asked the NGCP and DOE about nuclear power plant constructions.
He and APEC Party-list Rep. Sergio Dagooc gave recommendations to improve NGCP transmission services which can reduce electricity charges and are aligned with the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).
“Capacitor bank is only a band-aid solution. NGCP should have more contractors to improve its services. They should add financing to Engineering, Procurement, and Construction,” Dagooc said.
The committee is also looking into NGCP’s ownership structure which allows 40% Chinese joint referrals.
According to committee vice chairperson and Surigao Del Sur Rep. Johnny Ty Pimentel, four out of the 14 owners of NGCP are Chinese nationals which may affect the Philippine economy and national security.
With incomplete documentation and multiple questions left unanswered, the committee, upon the motion of Palawan Rep. Jose Alvarez, suspended the proceedings until NGCP sends the proper officials to the committee hearing.
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