Hontiveros warns against bill allowing 100% foreign ownership of public utilities

Senator Risa Hontiveros has issued a warning against a bill amending the Public Service Act, which includes provisions allowing foreigners to gain 100% ownership of public utilities.

Hontiveros made a statement as the Senate debated on Senate Bill 2094 which seeks to amend the Public Services Act.

“If foreigners are allowed 100 percent ownership of our public utilities, it will pave the way for China to own and have full control of crucial infrastructure in the country,” Hontiveros said.

She added that China may use this as leverage against the Philippines on the territorial dispute involving the West Philippine Sea.

"Hindi na nga tumitigil ang Tsina sa pag-aarangkada sa West Philippine Sea, tapos bibigyan pa natin siya ng daan para bilhin ang mga imprastaktura sa loob mismo ng ating bansa? Kinukuha na ang ating mga likas-yaman sa ating karagatan, huwag naman nating hayaang pati sariling industriya natin sa lupa China na rin ang naghahari-harian. Ano na ang matitira sa Pilipinas?" Hontiveros asked.

(China does not cease its incursions in the WPS and yet we are giving them ways to procure the infrastructures inside our country? They are getting our resources from our own seas, let us not allow China to rule over our industries. What will be left for the Philippines?)

Included in the industries that the SB 2094 plans to open up for 100% foreign ownership are telecommunications and transportation.

"We have vital national security interests that should never be compromised….We should heighten restrictions on foreign ownership as China's encroachment in the WPS escalates; not make it easier for her to establish a stronghold in our own land," Hontiveros said.

Earlier, Hontiveros, along with Senator Francis Pangilinan, voted against the franchise of Mindanao Islamic Telephone Co. Inc., now known as the DITO Telecommunity Corporation, the third telco player in the country over its ties with China Telecom.

The lawmaker also reiterated the need to address the national security concerns on Dito’s operations and the China’s 40% stake in the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

"Hindi pa napanatag ang loob natin sa mga pangambang dulot ng Dito at NGCP. Tapos bubuksan pa natin ang ibang industriya para sa panibagong banta na dala ng Tsina?” she asked.

(We are not yet assured about the threats poised by the operations of Dito and the NGCP yet we are going to open other industries for more risks brought by China?)

“If we open up our transport sector, for example, does this mean that the so-called Chinese maritime militia can apply for licenses or permits to operate in our domestic waters? We are all for economic development, but never at the expense of our national dignity and sovereignty," she said.

In 2019, Hontiveros filed a resolution urging for a legislative probe into the national security implications of partial Chinese ownership in, and control of, the NGCP.

She likewise filed a resolution, calling for a probe on the national security implications of an alleged agreement allowing Dito Telecommunity Corp. to set up equipment and facilities within military bases in the country.

Early this May, Hontiveros reiterated her call to conduct a security audit on the third major telecommunications company in the country, DITO Telecom.—AOL, GMA News