AFP chief: Lorenzana not kept in dark about China-backed telco deal

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (File photo by LYN RILLON / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — Armed Forces chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. said Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana was not bypassed when they entered into an agreement with China-backed Dito Telecommunity Corp., formerly known as Mislatel.

“I cannot do that. Every time we sign a memorandum of agreement — we sign a lot of partnerships — I sign it first before the Secretary signs it,” he told reporters Tuesday in Camp Aguinaldo.

Last week, the AFP signed an MOA with Dito, a consortium of Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy which includes China Telecom, Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp. and Udenna Corp., allowing the telco to install its facilities inside military camps.

Lorenzana, who was abroad on official business when the deal was signed, said he was unaware of such agreement. He said he would scrutinize the MOA on his return later this week. He said the agreement would still need his approval.

Defense spokesperson Director Arsenio Andolong earlier said the AFP was usually allowed to enter into agreements even without Lorenzana’s knowledge because it would still be submitted to him later on.

The deal, however, drew criticisms and concerns from lawmakers and analysts, saying it could be used for possible espionage.

But Madrigal maintained that he was recommending the agreement for approval as it passed through their legal and intelligence services.

/atm