MAYOR Rolando “Klarex” Uy has praised the court's issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on Friday evening, calling it a "legal and moral victory" for the people of Cagayan de Oro City.
The ruling, which addresses the city's ongoing water crisis, was issued by Judge Ana Candida N. Casino.
In her six-page decision, Judge Casino emphasized that the people's right to water is more important than any contractual disagreements.
"As between the breach of contracts and the right of the people to water, the most basic necessity for every person to survive, the latter must be given protection," she wrote.
The TRO grants a 17-day extension to an earlier 3-day order, preventing Metropac Water Investment Corp., Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Inc., and Rio Verde Water Consortium Inc. from disconnecting the water supply and distribution to the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD).
"It is inconceivable to let the people who are merely caught in the middle of the two disputing entities suffer injustice and be deprived of their right to water," Judge Casino explained.
The court has also scheduled a hearing on the application for injunction by COWD and private petitioners former city councilor Enrico Salcedo and Ronnie Waniwan.
Mayor Uy expressed his gratitude to President Bongbong Marcos for supporting the protection of public welfare as a basis for resolving the city's water distribution issues.
He highlighted that the president's directive to the water regulator, the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), is to protect the residents of Cagayan de Oro from unfair and excessive water rate increases.
The mayor urged the people to trust in the rule of law and the city government as they work to resolve the water crisis.
"Without a doubt, we will continue our efforts to solve this water problem. Above all, we must protect the people's right to clean, abundant, and affordable water," Mayor Uy said in a statement.
Mayor Uy also thanked the court for recognizing the essential nature of water and prioritizing the citizens' needs over corporate interests.
He assured the public that the city government is committed to finding a long-term solution to the water crisis.
The mayor called on all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the people of Cagayan de Oro have access to reliable and safe water.
He emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in overcoming the challenges faced by the city.
As the city awaits the court's final decision, Mayor Uy remains hopeful that justice will prevail and that the residents' right to water will be upheld.
The TRO serves as a temporary relief, but the mayor is determined to secure a permanent solution for the welfare of Cagayan de Oro's citizens.
