Rep Barbers urges probe into lease agreements with 85 Chinese firms in Bataan, Zambales, Pangasinan

Surigao del Norte 2nd district Representative Robert Ace Barbers is urging the Marcos administration to investigate the alleged granting of lease agreements by local government units (LGUs) in Bataan, Zambales, and Pangasinan to at least 85 Chinese-owned firms.

Barbers received information from local fishermen who reported that these leases are causing them to lose their livelihood as they are being driven away from shorelines.

The representative questioned which government agencies besides LGUs have allowed these Chinese firms to operate and what kind of businesses they engage in, citing concerns over possible illegal activities such as dredging, mining, smuggling, or drug trafficking, and raising national security concerns.

Barbers also pointed out similarities between the current situation and past issues with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), suggesting that local officials may be involved in corruption to allow these firms' unhampered operations.

He called for an investigation into the legal basis and protocols used by LGUs when granting leases to Chinese firms on government properties, noting the presence of two unidentified ships off Zambales for nearly three months.