BRANCH 41 of the Regional Trial Court has issued a cease-and-desist order against the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), barring it from taking over the operations and management of the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD).
Judge Jeoffre Acebido ruled that LWUA must stop the implementation of Resolution No. 34, Series of 2024, which authorized its full intervention in COWD’s policy-making and management.
The court issued the order on April 8.
The decision effectively halts LWUA from performing any acts that would interfere with COWD’s operations or have similar effects.
In a press conference on Monday, April 14, aired on iFM, the newly recognized Board of Directors, led by Engr. Edna Najeal, announced that beginning today, April 15, interim general manager Engr. Antonio Jarales and his staff will no longer be allowed access to the second floor of the COWD building.
“Pwede siya musulod sa Water District kay konsumante man sila, pero diri sa second floor dili gyud nato i-allow,” said Najeal.
She confirmed that the board has officially received a hard copy of the court’s cease-and-desist order.
“This time, we have the hard copy (of the cease and desist order) received by the Board of Directors sa atong Chairperson Director Gerry Caño. Tinuod gyud ni nga cease and desist sa LWUA,” Najeal said.
Jarales, however, told Gold Star Daily that for him, it’s still business as usual.
He said the order is not yet final or executory, though they respect the ruling.
Earlier today, Jarales said he attended a Zoom meeting at 6:30 am and confirmed that LWUA intends to file a motion for reconsideration.
“There is a decision. LWUA intends to file a motion for reconsideration,” he said.
Jarales argued that without a writ of execution from the court, the decision cannot yet be implemented. He added that, in the meantime, COWD remains fully operational and committed to delivering water services to Kagay-anons.
