Malacañang said President Duterte plans to make an announcement about the government’s deals with Metro Manila’s water distribution companies on January 6, 2020.
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo made the statement after Duterte warned to take over both Manila Water and Maynilad and threatened to pursue charges of “economic sabotage” and economic plunder against them as he claimed that Filipinos were being “milked by the billions” thru their onerous contracts with the government.
In his Thursday press briefing, Panelo said Duterte was going to make an announcement but said the President did not disclose any details.
“Sabi niya hindi siya papayag na walang mangyari sa kasong ito,” Panelo said. “I will not preempt the President, because I asked permission to issue, sabi niya huwag muna,” he added.
“Let’s wait. He said he will make an important announcement on January 6,” he continued.
According to Panelo, Duterte was keen on resolving the issue on Metro Manila’s water distribution companies’ onerous contracts with the government before he steps down from office in 2022.
“Parang ang pagkasabi niya, ‘I do not know whether I will survive this, but I will not allow this to happen,’” he said.
“I think what he meant is, he will not step out of the presidency without resolving this issue,” he added.
Panelo also said Duterte still wanted to hear why they allowed this kind of “treason” to happen.
“He still wants to talk with those 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 said. (Argyll Geducos)
