MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government will ensure that there would be no security breach on the "Safe Philippines" project with a Chinese firm, Malacañang said Thursday.
The Senate had included provisions in its version of the 2019 national budget that would block the payment for the Department of the Interior and Local Government's agreement with China International Telecommunication Construction Corporation.
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Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto noted concerns that the P20-billion project, which would initially install 12,000 surveillance cameras in Metro Manila and Davao City, would pose risks to national security.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the government would not allow this to happen.
"We understand the apprehensions of some senators but necessarily, this government will not allow any security leaks," Panelo said in a Malacañang press briefing.
As for the Senate provision blocking the funding for the project, Panelo said President Rodrigo Duterte has the power to veto this but clarified that he would have to ask the president first about the importance of the project.
"Anything that will contribute to the progress of this country, of course, it's an important project," he said.
Rep. Gary Alejano (Magdalo Party-list), on the other hand, lauded the Senate for blocking the funding for the agreement with the Chinese firm.
Echoing Recto's sentimetns, the opposition lawmaker stressed that aside from having security risks, the project appears to have been rushed by the government.
"Our government's preferential treatment towards China shows that it is willing to put our national interest at risk," Alejano said. — Patricia Lourdes Viray