THE Board of Directors (BOD) of the Cagayan de Oro City Water District (COWD) convened an emergency meeting on Saturday to address the Local Water Utilities Administration's (LWUA) recent announcement of a full takeover.
During the meeting, the BOD passed several critical resolutions, firmly rejecting LWUA's intervention and outlining their next steps.
City Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy expressed respect for President Ferdinand Marcos' directive to stabilize the city's water supply and emphasized that the city government maintained it stand for the continoius water supply as he would only step in if the continuous water supply is threatened.
Uy stated that the recent COWD and LWUA should resolve the issue independently.
According to Mayor Uy, President Marcos, during a recent visit, disclosed negotiations with Manuel Pangilinan’s CDO Bulk Water for a temporary solution while pursuing a long-term resolution.
"Mr. Pangilinan has agreed to our request and is ready to meet with your mayor to resolve this issue, ensuring over 60,000 residents here have the necessary water supply," Marcos said in his message to the people of Cagayan de Oro.
Mayor Uy reiterated that the city government would only intervene if the water supply is disrupted and emphasized his respect for the President's wisdom in tasking LWUA with exploring management solutions for COWD for the city's benefit.
During the emergency meeting, the COWD BOD unanimously approved a resolution not recognizing the LWUA takeover and the establishment of an interim board and general manager.
COWD asserts that LWUA's actions exceed the legal authority granted to it under existing laws.
To protect its interests, the BOD passed a resolution requesting the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) to authorize COWD's legal counsel to represent the water district in legal actions aimed at rescinding the contract with Metropac.
This underscores COWD's commitment to maintaining control over its operations and upholding its contractual agreements.
Additionally, the BOD approved a resolution to file legal action to rescind the contract between COWD and Metropac.
This step is seen as necessary to ensure that the water district's interests are protected and that any contractual obligations are thoroughly reviewed and assessed.
In response to the ongoing dispute, the BOD decided to file a motion to Branch 17 to divide the bond among the petitioners.
This resolution aims to address financial concerns and ensure that all parties involved in the dispute have their interests fairly represented.
COWD is also taking proactive steps to communicate its position and seek support from higher authorities.
The BOD approved a resolution to write to the Office of the President (OP) and the OGCC, detailing COWD's stance on the legality of the LWUA takeover under Resolution No. 34 of LWUA.
This letter aims to provide a comprehensive overview of COWD's legal arguments and seek further clarification and support.
Furthermore, the BOD directed the General Manager, BOD Chair, and Legal Counsel to be present if LWUA representatives attempt to assert their presence at COWD.
The BOD emphasized that they do not recognize the presence or authority of LWUA representatives, as they believe it lacks a legal basis.
In a detailed letter addressed to Mayor Uy, COWD outlined its responses to LWUA's press statement regarding the takeover.
COWD highlighted its achievements in reducing non-revenue water (NRW) and optimizing its water supply systems, demonstrating its capability to manage its operations effectively.
COWD General Manager Antonio B. Young emphasized that the water district has consistently settled its obligations to LWUA and other suppliers, refuting claims of financial mismanagement.
He also stressed that COWD is committed to addressing any violations identified by LWUA and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
COWD's letter to Mayor Uy reflects the water district's determination to resolve the crisis while maintaining autonomy over its operations.
The BOD's resolutions and actions highlight COWD's commitment to protecting its interests and ensuring the continued provision of adequate, clean, and safe water to the residents of Cagayan de Oro City.
