The military could take over the water distribution operations from Manila Water Company Inc. and Maynilad Water Services Inc. over the alleged onerous concession contracts, President Duterte declared last Thursday in his latest tirade against the alleged “economic saboteurs.”
The President warned the two companies not to threaten him with potential water shortage since he might be forced to order a military takeover as well as suspend the privilege of Writ of Habeas Corpus to effect their arrest.
“Sabi ko sa kanila huwag mo akong laruan na takut-takutin ninyo ako na sige, magsibat kami, bahala wala kayong tubig. I will order the Armed Forces to operate your water. Sige, sundalo, take over kayo,” he said during the inauguration of the Tent at Vista Global South in Las Piñas City.
“Then I will declare the suspension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus but only against economic saboteurs,” he said.
“Pag niloko niyo ako, kapag niloko niyo ang Pilipino I will suspend the Writ of Habeas Corpus and I will arrest all of you. Gusto kong makita ang mga bilyonaryo na nakakulong,” he said.
Outraged by the alleged irregular water deals, the President threatened anew to file charges against the persons involved in the 25-year concession contracts sealed in 1997 for economic plunder.
Duterte claimed that the two water firms are more than just “big fishes” caught by the government’s net. “Sabi niyo all these years, how many presidents, where’s the big fish? Oh eto buwaya na ito p****g****g to, dalawa,” he said. (Genalyn Kabiling)
