Pangilinan accuses admin of “laying down red carpet” for Chinese telco inside military camps

(Eagle News)–Senator Kiko Pangilinan has accused the administration of “la(ying) down the red carpet” for Dito Telecoms, a Chinese telecommunications company, inside military camps, noting supposed plans to construct  telecommunications towers there.

“The planned installation of electronic communications inside our military camps raises fears of electronic espionage and interference given the record of some Chinese firms for engaging in this illegal activity,” Pangilinan said.

According to Pangilinan, “this fear is especially acute” considering  China’s National Intelligence Law from 2017 requires Chinese companies to “support, assist, and cooperate with the state intelligence work.”

He said the defense department went up in arms over the installation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, where many Chinese nationals work, near military camps for the same reason, “paano pa itong nasa loob na mismo ng mga kampo?”

Pangilinan asked the following questions, as he urged the military to produce a copy of the memorandum of agreement between it and Dito:

-Why build these telco towers inside camps in the first place?

-Are there no other available sites for their towers?

-How much are they paying the government for these?

-How can we be assured that there will be no breach of national security and respect for privacy of communications and correspondence?

-Do we have guarantees that they will not obtain crucial information to the detriment of Filipinos?

-What happened to the cyber security audit of the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the National Telecommunications Commission on this third player?

“Our security and foreign policies have become so absurd,” Pangilinan said.

“Atin ang Pilipinas — the land, the waters, and the air. Huwag natin i-surrender ito, kasama na ang naipanalong arbitral ruling sa para sa controlling stake sa joint exploration ng West Philippine Sea. We should be vigilant and keep watch as our safety and security are at stake,” he added.