Charges filed in water system mess

CEBU, Philippines - Four charges were filed against the chairman of the water system of Barangay Tapilon in the northern town of Daanbantayan, as well as against the wife of the manager of Tapilon Rural Waterworks System Association (TARWASA).

Claro Benatiro, chairman of the TARWASA and Rosenda Russel appeared before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office for inquest proceedings yesterday after which charges of alleged theft, violation of Republic Act 8041 or the National Water Crisis Act of 1995, and direct assault and malicious mischief were filed against them.

Insp. Roberto Hugo, chief of the Daanbantayan Police, told The FREEMAN it was Tapilon Barangay Captain Arturo Conejos who served as complainant in the cases. Conejos is also the caretaker of the water system in the barangay.

Hugo said they expect both Benatiro and Russel to post bail and file counter-charges.

Benatiro was arrested last Sunday morning after he was caught in the act of reconnecting their water supply. The police reportedly arrested him for leading men in doing the same.

Russel who was with him was also arrested but their four other companions, all employees TARWASA, were able to escape.

The group had reconnected the water connection to two houses when the arrest happened.

Conejos claimed that the disconnection order from the Cebu Electric Cooperative (CEBECO) that he received last Monday showed increased electric bills. He claimed that they usually pay almost P50,000 a month for electricity, but they are only able to collect P15,000 from the residents. 

The TARWASA, he said, is no longer authorized to operate the waterworks system and collect money from the households. He said it is the barangay, which is authorized to do so as stated in a resolution approved by the municipal council.  (FREEMAN)