A top official of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines has debunked the claims made by lawmakers that the NCGP is owned and controlled by the Chinese.

In a statement, NGCP maintained the company is a Filipino corporation run by Filipinos, allaying concerns about China’s role in the operation of the country’s power grid.

“The State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) does not exercise control over the power grid nor over NGCP,” Henry Sy Jr., NGCP vice chairman, told the House Committee on Legislative Franchises in his opening statement.

“Domestic corporations Monte Oro Grid Resources Corporation and Calaca High Power Corporation each hold thirty percent (30 percent), or a total of sixty percent (60 percent), of the outstanding capital stock of NGCP, whereas SGCC only holds a minority share of forty percent (40 percent),” he said, stressing that SGCC’s shareholding in NGCP is consistent with the Constitution.

On the matter of NGCP’s partnership with a Chinese firm, Sy clarified that SGCC was already on board and the shareholders agreement was already in place when he purchased his shares in 2010.

He also debunked reports that the Chinese can shut down the power grid, pointing out that “it is NGCP alone, through its Filipino directors and personnel, and not the Chinese, that has control over the system operations.”

“The Chinese do not have control over the grid,” he emphasized, adding, “there is no proverbial single red button that can instantly turn off the grid.”

There are protocols that actually prevent this, Sy said.

Sy assured the committee NGCP’s SCADA system is a secure stand-alone, isolated system that is not connected to any other network or internet, thus making it safe from remote hacking.

Sy underscored the need for stability, not just in the power grid, but also in the supply, law, policy and regulation, for a more robust power industry.

“There’s nothing like starting the new year with the Asian Cultural Council to map out our plans for 2025!” First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos wrote in a social media post.

“This year, we’re going to give our Filipino artists the grants they deserve so they can hone their talents for all to see! Here’s to celebrating creativity and culture together!” she added.

Mrs. Marcos’s announcement has generated excitement and gratitude among netizens, many of whom praised her for prioritizing the arts.

“FL Liza, thank you po for making the arts a priority! Truly inspiring po ang work niyo!” one netizen commented.

“For sure mas maraming artist ang magkakaroon ng pagkakataong maipakita ang kanilang talento,” another said.

“Thank u for this acknowledgment madam, inspiration ini sa mga kabataan nga ipakita ang ila creativeness,” shared still another.

The First Lady’s pledge comes at a time the Philippines is continuing to celebrate its rich artistic heritage.

In the 1920s, Filipino artists began embracing modernism, but unlike their Western counterparts they indigenized the movement, blending it with local traditions and cultural elements.

This distinct brand of modernism reflected the unique experiences and values of the Filipino people.

Art historians emphasize that the country’s approach to modernism was not a simple adoption of European styles but a creative response to its material conditions and socio-cultural realities.

By providing grants to artists, the First Lady aims to preserve and sustain this legacy, empowering contemporary creatives to redefine and share their Filipino identity on the global stage.

Beyond her cultural advocacy, Mrs. Marcos is also focused on strengthening her office’s operations to better support the administration’s initiatives.

“Kicking off the year by optimizing the Social Secretary’s Office with team-building activities! It’s only the first day, and everyone’s already smiling and feeling part of a more professional and productive team!” she said.