President Rodrigo Duterte is disappointed on the 1997 concession agreement between the Philippine state, and the Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Company, Inc. because the consumers–the Filipino plebs–are on an inferior footing in the contract. The disadvantageous stipulations include the mandatory payment to said water providers of their loss in the course of the agreement and their immunity from the government’s intervention on water price imposition. “If they fail to realize the profit during the lifetime of the contract or at any period, babayad tayo sa nalugi nila” (If they fail to realize the profit during the lifetime of the contract or at any period, we shall pay for the same), emphasizes the Chief Executive.
Recently, the Manila Water won in a lawsuit in Singapore, where the Philippine state is then obliged to pay the firm PHP7.39 billion.
In a separate speech, the Head of State asks Senator Franklin Drilon if the solon was included in the crafting of the mentioned water supply contract.
The President, in response to the existing contracts with the Manila Water and Maynilad, orders the Solicitor General and the finance secretary to draft a fair water provision contract.
