Senate President Vicente
Sotto III is backing up President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s move to amend the alleged
onerous “one-sided” contracts entered into by government with the two giant
water concessionaires - Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and Manila Water Co.,
Inc., and hold all persons behind the contract accountable.
“After hearing his
explanation last night on how we are being taken for a ride by these
concessionaires, I told him I’m supporting him 100 percent on the issue,” Sotto
said
The President questions
some provisions of the 1997 water concession agreements with the two private
firms that resulted to disadvantageous to the government.
 |
| Senate Presient Vicente Sotto III (photo credit to owner) |
One that was highlighted
by Duterte is the inability of government to interfere in rate-setting and the
provision for indemnity in case of such government interference.
“Ang kontrata napaka-tagilid
na tagilid (The contracts are very one-sided) because if they fail to realize
the profit enduring the lifetime of the contract or at any period, babayad tayo sa
nalugi nila (we will pay for their losses),” Duterte said
The Singapore based arbitration court recently asked the Philippine
government to pay Maynilad PHP3.6 billion and Manila Water PHP7.4 billion over
losses due to the disapproved rate increase.
“We are being milked by
billions and pinapabayad pa tayo ng mga (yet we are still ordered to
pay) fines and penalties,” he said.
The Chief Executive said he has asked Solicitor General (SolGen)Jose
Calida to craft a new water contract that will be both “favorable” to the
public and the government.
“Ibigay mo sa kanila (Give
it to them). This is the amended contract. Accept it or nothing to it. Pero...
hahabulin ko talaga sila (But I will really run after them) for economic
sabotage,” the President said.
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Report from PNA
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