Why the NGCP Must Lose Its Franchise

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The congressional investigation into the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is a crucial discourse that every Filipino should pay attention to. The discussions delve into serious issues of national security, sovereignty, and economic control, underscoring the alarming hold that foreign entities—specifically the Chinese—have over the Philippines' energy grid.

A key testimony during the investigation came from Atty. Melvin Matibag, a former president of the government-owned National Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO). His revelations expose a deeply concerning reality:

Denied Access to Facilities

During his five-year tenure at TRANSCO, Matibag was never allowed by the Chinese to visit NGCP facilities. This raises a red flag. If NGCP is a concessionaire managing assets owned by TRANSCO and, by extension, the Filipino people, why would it block access to its facilities?

Replacement of Equipment with Chinese-Made Technology

As soon as NGCP took over the grid, Chinese management replaced General Electric (GE) equipment with devices manufactured by NARI, a company owned by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China. This act further embeds Chinese interests in the grid and leaves the Philippines vulnerable to potential remote control by foreign entities.

Chinese Remote Control Over the Grid

Matibag revealed that the Chinese have the capability to control the grid remotely. If this is true, it creates a chilling prospect: a foreign power could disrupt the country’s energy supply at will.

Unfortunately, Matibag's testimony was cut short due to personal biases and political baggage, undermining the investigation's purpose. Yet, the points he raised demand further scrutiny because the implications are far-reaching.

Ownership vs. Concession

The national grid is owned by TRANSCO, with NGCP merely acting as a concessionaire. Under Section 5.01 of the Concession Agreement, TRANSCO retains ownership of all transmission assets, intellectual property rights, and easements. NGCP should only be managing these assets on behalf of the Filipino people.

But NGCP, under Chinese control, operates as if it owns the grid. Why is the concessionaire barring representatives of the owner—TRANSCO—from accessing facilities? What are the Chinese hiding?

Lessons from Argentina

The Philippines must learn from Argentina’s unfortunate experience. China built the Espacio Lejano Station, a satellite monitoring site in Argentina, under the guise of a scientific facility. The Chinese quickly took control, fenced the area with barbed wire, deployed armed security, and restricted access even to Argentinian officials. Allegedly, the facility is being used to monitor missile tests and submarines, creating global security concerns.

The NGCP situation mirrors this alarming precedent. If left unchecked, the Philippines could face a similar loss of control over critical infrastructure.

NGCP’s Opaque Operations

Even during the ongoing congressional hearings, Chinese NGCP directors failed to attend, citing flimsy excuses such as the Chinese New Year or their annual meeting. Filipino representatives of NGCP were left to defend the Chinese, demonstrating their limited authority and subservience to their foreign counterparts.

It’s worth noting that NGCP allocates billions for "public relations and entertainment" expenses, a budget flagged by Senator Risa Hontiveros. Is this fund being used to silence critics and influence decision-makers?

Historical Roots of the Problem

This issue traces back to the administration of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who allowed the entry of Chinese stakeholders into NGCP. The arrangement has since evolved into a tangled web of Chinese dominance over one of the Philippines' most critical infrastructures.

Other Malpractices

Beyond national security concerns, NGCP’s operations are rife with complaints from Filipino contractors. Many subcontractors allege delayed payments and unfair treatment by Chinese NGCP contractors. These practices demand thorough congressional investigation.

The Only Acceptable Outcome

The ongoing congressional hearings must result in the revocation of NGCP’s franchise. Anything less is a disservice to the Filipino people.

The NGCP has failed to operate transparently, secure national interests, and honor its concession agreement. Allowing a foreign entity—especially one linked to a geopolitical rival like China—to control critical infrastructure is a betrayal of national sovereignty.

To ensure energy security and national independence, the government must reclaim full control of the grid. This can only be achieved by ending NGCP's concession and implementing reforms to prevent a similar situation from arising in the future.

The stakes are too high to let this issue fall through the cracks. Congress must prioritize national interest over partisan politics, scrutinize NGCP's operations, and hold it accountable for its transgressions. For the Filipino people, this is not just about power lines and transformers—it’s about reclaiming sovereignty over a lifeline of the nation.

A Bold Step for Philippine Education: House Bill 11213 Offers Students the Option to Skip Senior High School

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Philippine education system is on the cusp of transformation with the recent approval of House Bill No. 11213, also known as the “Education Pathways Act,” on its second reading in the House of Representatives. This proposed law reimagines the K-12 program, offering qualified junior high school students the flexibility to skip senior high school (SHS) entirely and proceed directly to college, university, or a technical-vocational program.

For years, the K-12 program has faced criticisms from parents, educators, and even students for adding financial strain on families without delivering its promised benefits. Now, House Bill 11213 seeks to address these concerns and provide new opportunities for students to achieve their educational and career goals.

The Key Provisions of House Bill 11213

At its core, the bill aims to create alternative academic and career pathways tailored to the diverse needs and aspirations of Filipino students. Here are its primary features:

University Preparatory Program

For students determined to pursue higher education, this program offers a streamlined, two-year curriculum designed to prepare them for college. Unlike the current K-12 structure, this program removes the traditional academic tracks (e.g., STEM, HUMSS, ABM) and instead provides a general curriculum focused on subjects essential for college readiness. Importantly, credits earned in this program can count toward college courses, saving students time and effort once they reach higher education.

Technical-Vocational Program

Students interested in entering the workforce right after high school can opt for this pathway, which focuses on hands-on skills training. Developed in collaboration with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), this program offers industry-aligned curricula to equip students with practical and employable skills in fields like automotive, electronics, and hospitality.

Advanced Placement Exam

One of the bill’s most groundbreaking features is the introduction of an honors examination for Grade 10 students. Those who pass this test will have the option to skip senior high school altogether and proceed directly to college. This measure acknowledges the capabilities of academically exceptional students and provides them with an accelerated route to achieve their ambitions.

Why Reform the K-12 Program?

When the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (K-12) was introduced, it aimed to align the Philippine education system with global standards, improve job readiness among graduates, and enhance learning outcomes. However, a decade later, the program’s shortcomings have become evident.

A study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies revealed that only 20% of senior high school graduates enter the workforce after completing their studies. Worse, many employers still prefer hiring college graduates, rendering the additional two years of education ineffective for many. Parents, on the other hand, have voiced frustrations over the added financial burden, which includes tuition fees, school supplies, and other costs.

By introducing multiple educational pathways, House Bill 11213 seeks to address these issues, empowering students to pursue paths that match their individual strengths, goals, and circumstances.

The Benefits for Students and Families

This reform is a win-win for both students and their families. Here’s why:

For Students:

The bill recognizes that not all students follow a one-size-fits-all educational path. Those who excel academically can accelerate their journey to higher education, while others can gain specialized training to join the workforce with confidence. This flexibility ensures that every student’s potential is nurtured and maximized.

For Parents:

Perhaps the most significant impact of this reform is the potential reduction in educational costs. Families who previously struggled to afford the additional years required by the K-12 program can now save money while ensuring their children receive quality education.

Looking Ahead

With its approval on second reading, House Bill 11213 is one step closer to becoming a law. If enacted, the Department of Education (DepEd) and TESDA will play crucial roles in implementing the two pathways. Collaboration with higher education institutions and industry leaders will also be essential to ensure that the programs are effective, relevant, and responsive to the evolving needs of society and the labor market.

A Transformational Shift in Education

House Bill 11213 represents more than just a change in policy—it’s a recognition of the diverse aspirations, talents, and circumstances of Filipino students. By offering tailored pathways and addressing the flaws of the K-12 system, this legislation has the potential to reshape Philippine education for the better.

As we await its final approval, one thing is clear: the future of education in the Philippines is moving toward greater inclusivity, flexibility, and responsiveness. This is not just a reform—it’s a promise of a brighter future for every Filipino learner.

The Rise of Corruption: A Persistent Challenge in the Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Amid growing crises and widespread poverty, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has once again exposed the alarming state of corruption in the country, particularly among certain members of Congress. In his statement, Magalong highlighted how the level of corruption has reached an extreme, where politicians seem completely indifferent to the plight of struggling Filipinos.

“It’s disheartening to think that corruption has become so rampant and committed with such impunity, as if they feel nothing. They’re numb, while ordinary people are suffering,” Magalong lamented.

He also pointed out the glaring disparity between the income of ordinary Filipinos and corrupt officials. “How much do drivers earn? They’re lucky if they make 500 to 600 pesos a day. Vendors earn 400 to 500 pesos, while some of these extremely corrupt politicians can easily make a billion pesos in a year,” he added.

Corruption in the Distribution of Aid

Magalong noted the apparent misuse of aid distribution, which has seemingly become a tool for vote-buying. Educational allowances, intended to assist those in need, are reportedly being used to serve political agendas. In some areas, only K-12 graduates with precinct numbers are eligible for assistance—clearly ensuring that only voters benefit.

This has fueled public outrage, especially among small online sellers who are burdened with strict regulations. These entrepreneurs are required to register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and go through tedious processes to legitimize their businesses. Meanwhile, corrupt officials amass wealth with little to no effort.

The Cycle of Poverty and Corruption

It is heartbreaking that many impoverished Filipinos continue to vote for corrupt politicians in exchange for small sums of money or aid distributed before elections. This culture perpetuates a vicious cycle of poverty and injustice. A lack of education, access to information, and viable alternatives drives people to accept this reality.

A Call for Change

Magalong is not alone in criticizing this system. Various sectors have called for stricter oversight and harsher penalties for abusive politicians. Measures such as strengthening anti-corruption laws, ensuring transparency in government spending, and increasing public awareness must be prioritized.

The question now is: How long will Filipinos endure this system? The fight for clean governance is not just the responsibility of a few but of every citizen. Vigilance, speaking out, and taking action are key to stopping rampant corruption that continues to jeopardize the nation’s future.

In the face of these challenges, may more people realize the importance of choosing leaders who will genuinely serve—not just a select few, but all Filipinos.