MANILA, Philippines — The concession deals of Maynilad and Manila Water are protected by the 1987 Constitution from any “impairment” or unilateral revision by the Duterte administration, an opposition lawmaker said on Monday. ADVERTISEMENT“The Constitution protects contracts from impairment by the State,” Lagman said in a statement. He also cautioned the government that its bullying tactics against Manila Water and Maynilad might have a detrimental impact on investments. ‘Drive away investors’“The President’s threats that if the water concessionaires will not accept his imposition, the government will take over the water utilities will further drive away investors,” he said. But Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Monday played down Malacañang’s threat to force new contracts on the two water concessionaires.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer January 13, 2020 19:18 UTC