Press Release - Hontiveros raises concerns over third-party involvement in energy transmission projects, citing risks to public welfare

In response to the recent proposal to involve third parties in the construction of transmission projects within the energy sector, Senator Risa Hontiveros voiced concerns, emphasizing that such a move may only serve vested interests rather than the public welfare.

The Senator's remarks came after the President instructed the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to explore the possibility of third-party involvement to expedite delayed transmission projects.

"Previous Senate investigations found no compelling reasons for third-party involvement, and the Executive's proposition raises further questions. Kung hirap ang ERC at DOE ngayon na i-regulate o pasunurin ang National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, mas gagaan at huhusay kaya ang sistema kung bubuksan ito sa third parties?" she said.

She further asserted that introducing third parties could only potentially favor certain groups, raising concerns about ties to the Maharlika Fund.

"In fact, the call for third-party developers is painful evidence of the failed privatization of the transmission sector and the NGCP experiment," argued the Senator.

NGCP attributes the delays in transmission projects to the tedious procedures involved in acquiring right-of-way and permits. However, Hontiveros noted that despite having eminent domain rights, the NGCP, as a private business, starts acquiring the right-of-way only after regulatory approval. This leads to late realization that approved projects face opposition from property owners, causing such delays.

"Segurista palagi ang mga pribadong negosyo tulad ng NGCP. Hindi muna gagastusan ang pagkuha ng right of way dahil may risk na hindi matuloy ang project. The private sector's profit-first mentality delays public service, as they prioritize returns before fulfilling their service obligations," Hontiveros stated.

NGCP only proves that the private sector plan is limited and does not address the urgent requirements for timely power grid development, security, and reliability. "Wouldn't choosing another private entity repeat the same mistake? Solving one error with another is not a solution."

Hontiveros emphasized that the government is