Lorenzana inks pact with Dito Telecommunity despite security concerns

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday said he has signed the agreement with China-backed Dito Telecommunity Corporation, which will pave for the  installation of the firm's telecommunication facilities inside military camps.

During the budget hearing at the House of Representatives, Lorenzana said the Senate had initially asked for a copy of the deal to check it.

However, the senators did not have any complaint or suggestion regarding it, the Defense chief said.

"Yes, I signed the contract recently because last year, when the contract reached my table, [the] Senate also asked [for a] copy of the contract for them to scrutinize," Lorenzana said.

"They came out with nothing naman. Wala silang complaint or any recommendation on the contract. It was returned to us and the AFP assured me that they will institute safeguards so the security of our camps will be maintained," he added.

Several groups and lawmakers have expressed concerns that the towers would open the country to spying by the Chinese government.

Armed Forces spokesman Major General Edgard Arevalo earlier said the presence of the structures inside military camps would not harm the country's national security, adding that it has more gains than risks.

On the other hand, the telecommunications firm has assured the public that their facilities would not be used to obtain classified information. — RSJ, GMA News