National Grid Corporation of the Philippines and the Social Security System are discussing options on the pension fund’s Pasay property, where NGCP wants to construct a 230 kV substation project.
Social Security Commission chairman Amado Valdez said he was grateful to NGCP officials who agreed to look into other properties for the construction of the Pasay 230kV substation project.
“More than anything else, the welfare of our members and pensioners are our primary concern. We want what is best for them and we will ensure that their rights are protected,” said Valdez.
NGCP said the Pasay 230-kV substation project was designed as the long-term solution to meet the increase in demand for power in the nation’s capital, and effectively distribute the existing load of transmission facilities serving Manila Electric Co.
The project includes a provision to connect the substation directly to a substation in Bataan through a high voltage submarine cable. The province of Bataan hosts numerous power plants that supply electricity to Metro Manila.
“While we recognize the concerns of SSS, our primary concern remains to be the integrity of the power grid. Any alternative location must not only be suitable and viable for the project, it must, more importantly, be the most optimal for the grid,” said NGCP in a statement.
The SSS earlier filed a petition through the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel questioning the propriety of the complaint for expropriation by NGCP against the property of SSS in Diokno Ave. in Pasay City.
A writ of possession for the 6.5-hectare SSS property issued by the lower court is still in effect, and grants NGCP possession of the same. NGCP has agreed to temporarily stop activities within the area, but clarified that the needs of the grid were its paramount concern.
“This project, in particular, plays a crucial role in power stability for Metro Manila. NGCP is eager to begin this project at the soonest possible time as we want to avoid any delays that will ultimately compromise the power supply to Luzon’s load center,” NGCP said.