Sinabi ni Presidential Spokesperson at Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo na nakahanda si Pangulong Duterte na ipatupad ang lahat na legal na opsyon para protektahan ang mga konsumer sa pagtataas ng singil sa tubig.
“We note that the two Metro Manila water concessionaires, Maynilad and Manila Water, have threatened to increase the water rates by 100% following the decision of the MWSS revoking the extension of their concession agreements. We recall that they offered not to implement the approved new water rates, among others, after the President publicly denounced the onerous provisions of the said contracts,” sabi ni Panelo.
Idinagdag ni Panelo na maaaring mas malala pa ang gawin ng Maynilad at Manila Water kung hindi mapipigilan.
“These concessionaires can do their worst and continue with fleecing the consumers while the President will do his best in serving and protecting the interest of the people,” ayon pa kay Panelo.
Sinabi pa ni Panelo na patuloy pa rin ang pagrerepaso ni Duterte sa mga sulat na ipinadala ng dalawang water concessionaires.
“All legal options are open to him. It must be remembered that the President is a lawyer and a public prosecutor for many years hence knowledgeable on the provisions of the anti-graft law. An examination of the latter reveals that the contracts are on all fours with it. Stated differently, the agreements violate every prohibited act of the law,” paliwanag pa ni Panelo.
Isinapubliko rin ng Palasyo ang sulat ng Maynilad at Manila Water sa Pangulo noong Disyembre 10, 2019.
“The concessionaires are put on notice that the Chief Executive will not renege from his constitutional duty of enforcing the law. Neither will he be swayed nor enticed into accepting a compromise. Dura lex sed lex,” ayon pa kay Panelo.
“Water is a natural resource and access to it by the people is a basic human right, and constitutionally protected as well. Any measure therefore in derogation of this right requires government intervention,” pagtiyak ni Panelo.