THE Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) and its Board of Trustees, through the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), filed a motion for reconsideration yesterday, April 29, before the Regional Trial Court Branch 14 in Cagayan de Oro City.

The filing comes in response to a court order issued by Judge Jeoffre Acebido, directing LWUA to cease and desist from intervening in the operations of the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD).

STATUS QUO. Page 8, paragraph 18 of Local Water Utilities Administration’s motion for reconsideration states that its authority to intervene in Cagayan de Oro Water District operations is rooted in its power to cancel the utility’s Certificate of Conformance — effectively allowing LWUA to temporarily operate COWD’s facilities as a lawful remedial measure. Document courtesy of LWUA

In an official statement, LWUA said the motion aims to challenge the cease and desist order, asking the court to deliberate on the merits of its arguments.

“We emphasized that Judge Acebido’s decision is not yet final and executory,” the statement reads in part.

LWUA added that, pending the order’s finality, all parties are expected to maintain the status quo, recognizing LWUA’s continued authority over COWD.

The agency pointed out that its involvement is a mandate from the national government, intended to protect Cagayan de Oro residents from the alleged mismanagement of COWD’s previous leadership.