KINUMPIRMA ng Palasyo na natanggap na ni Pangulong Duterte ang sulat ng Maynilad at Manila Water kung saan inihayag nila ang pagsuporta sa pagrerepaso sa kanilang concession agreement.
“The separate letters of Maynilad and Manila Water basically state that they are heeding the call of the President and are willing to revisit the concession agreements for amendments or revisions of the provisions which are onerous to the government and ultimately, their consumers,” sabi ni Presidential Spokesperson at Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo.
Idinagdag ni Panelo na nakalagay sa liham na hindi na itutuloy ng
Manila Water ang P7.39 bilyon claim at pagpapaliban sa dagdag singil sa tubig.
Matatandaang sinabi ng Maynilad sa pagdinig ng Kamara na hindi na rin nito itutuloy ang P3.4 bilyong arbitral award laban sa gobyerno.
“The Chief Executive will read the letters of Maynilad and Manila Water before the public for transparency and to show that all the steps being undertaken by the government in resolving this issue with the two Metro Manila water concessionaires are aboveboard and legitimate,” ayon pa kay Panelo.
Tiniyak ni Panelo na ikokonsidera ng Pangulo ang panibangong mga kaganapan sa gagawin niyang desisyon.
“The President will evaluate this development, as well as study the practical and legal consequences of the situation, before making any decision on what measure to undertake next. PRRD wants to speak first with all the lawyers involved in the preparation, negotiation and drafting of then present concession agreements and determine the reason why they allowed the incorporation of onerous provisions,” sinabi pa ni Panelo.
Ani Panelo naprotektahan ang mga Pinoy sa pagbabayad ng kabuang P10.8 bilyon.
“These companies not only have inefficiently delivered water to the households but exacted unconscionable amounts from the taxpayers. Once again, the President exercising political will, coupled with his ability to ascertain inequities in contract law as well as his character to identify with the plight of the ordinary Filipinos, has protected their interest, in obedience to the constitutional command to serve and protect the people,” sabi pa ni Panelo.