MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte is set to make a major announcement in January in relation to the alleged onerous contracts entered into by the Philippine government with Manila Water Company Inc. and Maynilad Water Services, Inc.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte would make the important announcement on January 6, 2020, but he declined to provide specifics.
Panelo just said the President is determined to resolve the issue on water concession deals before his term ends in 2022.
“Sabi niya (Duterte), hindi siya papayag na walang mangyari sa kaso na ito,” he said in a Palace briefing.
“I think he repeated that he still wants to talk with those who are involved – the lawyers of the government, the private lawyers. He said, ‘I still want to hear why they allowed this kind of treason against the interest of the Filipino people,’” he further stated.
“I think what he meant is he will not step out of the presidency without resolving this issue.”
He also slammed the provisions of the deal which allegedly
The chief executive threatened to file economic sabotage, plunder and graft charges against those involved in the crafting of the deal, and to take over water distribution if the problem is not resolved.
Duterte has ordered for the review of the agreements, and the drafting of a new water concession deal that would be advantageous to the public.
The water concession agreements were signed in 1997 during the administration of President Fidel V. Ramos. It was extended until 2037 through the Arroyo administration.
The water concession deals would end in 2022 after the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System earlier canceled the deal extension. – RRD (from the report of Correspondent Rosalie Coz)
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