President Rodrigo Duterte expressed readiness to let the issue on contract of water concessionaires pass, but insisted the excess charges collected from the public in the past years must be returned.
In his latest public address, the Chief Executive said he will study the new contracts filed by Maynilad and Manila Water.
He also apologized for the harsh words he had against the companies. “Nagkalma ako kasi (I calmed down because) whether I like it or not, water is very important in our lives),” President Duterte said.
“So okay na lang ako, but ‘yung nawala sa tao, kung ano ang nawala sa kanila (I am fine, but what has been lost by the people), that has to be paid back whether (through) installment over a period of years, but you have to return the money to the people,” he added.
The Chief Executive also reminded that if the government and private companies disagree on the outcome of the situation, they may resort to filing of cases.
