By GENALYN D. KABILING
The government may take over the operations of the water utilities if Metro Manila’s water supply problem worsens, Malacañang warned on Tuesday.
According to Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo, President Duterte would have to declare a national emergency before invoking the government’s takeover power if the water concessionaires fails to address the shortage.
“Yes, he said ‘I will assume control’ so that means government takeover… to solve the crisis,” Panelo said during a Palace press briefing.
“Because he said, ‘If you cannot solve the crisis then I will do it for you,” Panelo added.
President Duterte earlier threatened to use his “extraordinary powers,” including a possible government takeover, to address an imminent water crisis in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
Duterte said he was studying options including the use of the “police power of the state” to ensure enough water supply for the people. “You just go to court and file a case if you want. I am there and I will start to find a way how to connect the water to the people,” he said in an interview with reporters at the Palace last Monday.
Panelo defended that the President has legal basis to apply the takeover option over water companies.
He said the Constitution states the President’s primary duty as head of the state of the government is to serve and protect the people. “So any situation arising that will endanger or imperil the safety of the people so the President has to take over,” he added.
Asked about the situation that will warrant a government takeover, Panelo said such option may be used if people have no more drinking water.
“Kung grabe water crisis, kung wala na tayo tubig naiinom. Di ba sabi niya kagabi, I will not allow people not drinking water,” he said.
“Kung wala na talaga tayong naiinom na tubig, wala na pampaligo, may problema talaga tayo,” he added.
For now, Panelo said it was the President’s call to determine if there would be a need for a government takeover of the water utilities. “If he thinks there’s a need for that, then he will do it,” he said.
Asked about the accountability of the water regulator, Panelo said they might would be prosecuted if they violated the law.
The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System may also undergo a revamp if the concerned officials fail to address the water problem, he added.
Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) and Manila Water Co. (Manila Water) has recently implemented a daily rationing of water supply in their areas amid the reported low supply from Angat Dam. Earlier, the Palace said the President may take drastic action against these water firms if they fail to prevent the escalation of the water problem.
