Military capable of handling security of power grid–Duterte

President Duterte has assured the public that the military is capable of handling any security concerns raised about China’s alleged control over the country’s power grid.

"May mga security issues [There are security issues] that can be handled by the military. That cannot be a problem," he told reporters in Malacañang.

In a candid remark, the President jokingly threatened to blow up the country's tower lines or cut the cable following those concerns.

"Ako, 'yung tower? Pasabugin ko lang 'yun. Putulin ko 'yung kable, tapos na [The tower? I would just blast the tower, cut the cable and it's over]," he added in jest.

Some lawmakers have expressed concern about reports that China can control and remotely shut down the country's power grid. China's State Grid Corporation has a 40 percent stake in the National Grid Power Corporation that operates the country's power transmission lines.

The NGCP however said there was nothing to be alarmed about China's stake in NGCP, insisting that its investment was limited to being a technical adviser.

In 2007, the consortium composed of Monte Oro Grid Resources Corp., Calaca High Power Corporation, and the State Grid Corporation of China secured a 25-year concession to operate the country's power transmission network.

Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio earlier said China's involvement in the power grid operations should be a cause for concern. He said if the Chinese were maintaining the national power lines, it would be easy for them to shut it down and inject malware.

The President, however, brushed aside Carpio's allegation, saying the retired magistrate was talking nonsense. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)