MANILA,Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte did not order the rescission of the water concession agreements allowing Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Co. Inc. to distribute water in Metro Manila and parts of Cavite and Rizal provinces, which he claimed were disadvantageous to the government, Malacañang said on Sunday. He ordered the filing of criminal, civil and administrative charges against the parties, including government lawyers and agents who took part in drawing up the water concession agreements. The President made the threats after Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said in a Cabinet meeting that the water concession agreements awarded to Maynilad and Manila Water contained 12 onerous provisions. Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, the President’s longtime aide, said it was just right for the government to fight for a more favorable water concession agreements. A resolution of the MWSS Regulatory Office recognizes Manila Water and Maynilad as the regulator’s mere agents, not as public utilities.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 08, 2019 21:56 UTC