“(You) publicly [delayed] the valid intervention of LWUA and my leadership by conducting an unauthorized press conference on May 30, 2024 and even remarked the same as ultra vires during the same press conference,” Jarales’ Memorandum No. 15, dated June 25, 2024, reads in part.
INTERIM General Manager Fermin Jarales has outlined a clear direction for the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) amid its ongoing dispute with bulk water supplier Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Inc (Cobi) over an unpaid P478 million debt. Jarales, who took over from General Manager Antonio Young, has served for nearly a month.
Jarales emphasized the importance of governance and operational excellence within the COWD, highlighting plans to clarify the organizational structure and financial management.
His strategic goals include reducing non-revenue water, increasing billable water volume, improve COWD’s relationships with their various suppliers and partners, compliance with the Clean Water Act by establishing a sewage treatment plant, and ensuring safe and adequate water quality.
The Local Water Authorities Administration (LWUA) has taken full control of COWD, sidelining the previous board and General Manager Young, who has been instructed to work from home.
In a memorandum, Jarales criticized Young for delaying LWUA’s intervention and filing legal challenges against the administration’s directives.
“(You) publicly [delayed] the valid intervention of LWUA and my leadership by conducting an unauthorized press conference on May 30, 2024 and even remarked the same as ultra vires during the same press conference,” Jarales’ Memorandum No. 15, dated June 25, 2024, reads in part.
The memorandum added: “Together with Nelia B. Lee, Gerry J. Cano, and Janet C. Floirendo, you filed a prohibition case with a Prayer for Status Quo Ante Order, docketed as Civil Case No. R-CDO- 24-02070-SC, against the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) on June 11, 2024, which was subsequently denied by the Regional Trial Court-Branch 38, on June 13, 2024.”
Jarales urged Young to study relevant legislation and COWD’s obligations, advising him on these matters while avoiding unauthorized actions. The interim GM warned Young against further disruptions.
“Starting today (June 25), should you forcefully enter COWD premises or any of its properties, or conduct activities therein without authority from the IGM, the concerned security personnel shall be immediately dispatched to remove you physically and/or deal with you accordingly. In addition, this memo shall serve as a warning that any unauthorized move on your end moving forward will be dealt with more severely,” the memorandum reads.
For his part, Young received the memorandum personally on June 26. For his part, Young received the memorandum personally on June 26. Gold Star Daily tried to contact Young and Cano yesterday. However, both Young and Cano were unavailable for comment regarding the memorandum.
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