THE six-month extension of Interim General Manager Fermin Jarales and the interim board of the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) has sparked renewed opposition from the set-aside board of directors, who question the legality of the decision.
Former COWD Board Director Gerry Caño, along with three other ousted board members, personally visited the COWD office today, February 28, to seek legal documentation on Jarales’ appointment.
Arriving at around 9:12 am, Caño was initially asked by security personnel to set an appointment with Jarales.
However, he insisted on entering peacefully and was eventually allowed inside.
After spending over 30 minutes in the facility, Caño told reporters present: “Gipaabot nato ang tumong ug katuyuan sa pag pangayo sa dokumento legal kung aduna bay legal documents sa pag padayon sa pag discharge sa function sa interim officials.”
Caño and his group specifically requested a resolution from the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) Board of Trustees on the interim appointments, as well as Jarales’ oath of office — documents they claim they have not received.
The inquiry follows Jarales’ recent announcement that his tenure has been extended for another six months, from March 1 to August 31, as per LWUA’s advice.
According to Caño, Jarales assured him that LWUA’s legal team and a representative from the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) would arrive that day to clarify matters.
“Atong hulaton ug kanus-a sila makaabot kay atong storyahon kay this is a government agency,” Caño said adding that no one can discharge function without proper documents.
He also criticized the interim officials for failing to provide formal appointment documents, particularly regarding the extension, which Jarales allegedly announced without presenting supporting evidence.
“Kami man ang lawful, appointed by the legal authority na mag lingkod sa ronda direktiba,” Caño asserted.
Set-aside Director Nelia Lee also maintained that the interim board’s appointment remains illegal, claiming that there is no documented evidence or resolution proving that Jarales took his oath before LWUA.
“Hangtod karon, kalooy sa Diyos. Wala pa gyud ko nakadawat ug hantod sa ilang plano pag extend, wala gihapon,” Lee said.
Despite their opposition, Lee said they would give Jarales a chance to present the necessary documents, noting that February 28 marks the final day of his previous three-month extension, which began on December 1, 2024.
Caño warned that if Jarales fails to present the required documents, they will move to install Assistant Manager for Technical Services Engr. Edna Najeal as the new general manager by Monday.
“Andam na ang atong papel niana. Igo nalang ta mag deklarar,” he said, arguing that Najeal, as the highest-ranking official in COWD, should assume the role.
Meanwhile, in a statement released Wednesday, COWD affirmed that the interim board and general manager will remain in place for the next six months unless LWUA decides otherwise.
