President to maintain pressure on water firms
Credit to Author: Divina Nova Joy Dela Cruz| Date: Sun, 29 Dec 2019 16:15:06 +0000
PALACE spokesman Salvador Panelo said President Rodrigo Duterte would continue in 2020 his campaign against the firms that control water distribution in Metro Manila.
Duterte had threatened to file “economic plunder” cases against the two concessionaires, Manila Water Co. Inc. and Maynilad Water Services Inc., which he accused of having “onerous” provisions in their contracts with the government. He also refused to talk with the water companies.
The President said “trillions” had been “stolen” from the people through unfinished water treatment facilities and the corporate income taxes that have been passed on to consumers.
Panelo said in a radio interview over dzIQ on Sunday the President would continue his campaign against the concessionaires in the coming new year.
“Lahat, lahat ng mga ilegal eh tutugisin niya, wala siyang sasantuhin (He will go after all illegal, he will not bow down to anyone),” the spokesman said.
Asked if it would be a “bloody” pursuit, Panelo said it did not need to be, but that the state would respond accordingly.
Manila Water and Maynilad have since made moves to appease the President, vowing not to impose the P10.8-billion awarded by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Singapore to them after winning their case against the Philippine government.
The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System has also cancelled the extension to 2037 of the concession period of the two companies. The concession lapses in 2022.