Sen. Go to initiate Senate probe on Maynilad, Manila Water contracts
Economic News • 14:00 PM Sat Dec 7, 2019
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By:
FERDINANDH B. CABRERA
Senator Bong Go led the launching of another Malasakit Center in Provincial Hospital of Maguindanao in Datu Hoffer town on Friday, he was joined by couple Governors Bai Mariam and Suharto "Teng" Mangudadatu. (Ferdinandh Cabrera)
DATU HOFFER, Maguindanao - The Philippine senate is spearheading an investigation in aid of legislation against what Pres. Duterte has described as contracts that were very disadvantageous to the government, Sen. Bong Go said.
Go, who was here for the opening of the country’s 53 Malasakit Center at Maguindanao provincial hospital, was referring to the contracts between the government and two giant water concessionaires – the Maynilad owned by business mogul Manny Pangilinan and the Ayala-led Manila Water.
Pres. Duterte has said that the government is considering filing charges for economic sabotage against the water suppliers.
Go a former close-aide of Duterte turned Senator, said “If this move will cause the downfall of President Duterte, then this is also my downfall, we will go home in Davao.”
“But one thing we will assure the people, we will fight for your interest,” he told reporters.
President Duterte has accused the two water concessionaires of onerous contracts which provisions are unfair to the consumers.
He said the Philippines “surrendered everything including the sovereignty” in the contracts.
Duterte was irked to discover that the contract made by concessionaires will led the government to pay Ayala-led Manila Water the P7.39 billion based on a recent decision of over the non-implementation of water rate hikes starting in 2015.
A ruling was issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Singapore.
Duterte said he wanted to know the lawyers who crafted the contracts even hinting Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon’s involvement in the contracts.
Drilon denied a hand in the crafting of the deals.