The decision of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to revoke the extension of the concession agreement between the government, Manila Water Inc. and Maynilad received praise from the netizens.
However, one Senator expressed her concern over the decision of the MWSS to revoke an extension between the two big companies saying that it might affect the distribution of water to the people.
In an interview on Wednesday, Senator Grace Poe said that she’s worried about the possible consequences of the decision of MWSS.
“Ako, pinakanababahala ako ngayon ay ang pagrevoke ng extension contract,” Poe said.
“Dahil kung ‘yun ang mangyayari, alam mo kahit magpatayo tayo ng Wawa Dam, ‘yung treatment facilities n’yan, at saka ‘yung conveyance, ‘yung pagdi-distribute ng tubig sa mga household, sa mga businesses…kapag itinigil ngayon ‘yung distribution process, mawawalan tayo ng tubig ngayon na ire-revoke ‘yan,” she added.
Poe also pointed out that the water companies might stop their ongoing projects because of their agreement with the government is now set to expire in 2022 instead of 2037.
“Nirevoke na daw yung extension so hanggang 2022 na lang, so pagdating ng 2022, kung hindi sila ma-extend beyond 2022, lahat ng projects nila in the pipeline, matitigil,” Poe said.
MWSS made the decision following President Duterte’s revelation against the two water companies, saying that they’re trying to take advantage of the natural resources of the country.
Before Duterte’s criticism, the government is being ordered by an international tribunal to pay the two companies with a total of P11-B pesos.
However, Maynilad and Manila Water decided not to ask the government to pay the 11-B anymore after Duterte’s criticism.
“Ayaw po naming kalabanin ang Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. Mabuti po ang ginagawa niya para sa taong bayan at sumusuporta po kami. Humihingi po kami ng paumanhin kung nagalit siya dahil sa arbitral ruling,” Manila Water Corporation President and CEO Jose Almendras said during a Senate hearing on the proposed creation of a water department.