Duterte reviews recommendations on water concessions

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte is ready to forgive Manila Water Corp. and Maynilad Water Services as long as they return what is due the government and the Filipino people.

“I’m willing to forget it. Just – just give us a contract that is fair and also return of the money of the people,” Duterte said late Thursday during the meeting with the members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases in Davao City.

Duterte said he would be reviewing the report on the two water concessionaires.

“I think that the papers are here with me now, I will review the contracts that are proposed by the government panel to the Ayala and the Pangilinan consortium na...Whether I like it or not, water is very important in our lives. So, I am okay as long as you will return what is due for the people, that has to be paid back, whether in installments over a period of years, but you have to return the money to the people,” Duterte said.

He, however, hinted that charges could still be leveled against the two companies.

“Okay na ako and you can have your contracts if it is to your liking. But if it’s not, then we proceed with another phase which is really filing of the cases,” he said.

It can be recalled that the government revoked the extension of concession agreements between Manila Water and Maynilad after they earned the President’s ire when the Ayala-led water firm won its case against the government in November.

Meanwhile, in the same meeting, Duterte said he would take a second look on the reported billions of pesos worth of reclamation projects in many areas in Metro Manila.

Duterte expressed anew his objection over reclamation projects because of the adverse impact these may bring into the environment, including the metro’s waterways.

Duterte said he would not want the people to suffer the consequences in the end.