MAJORITY Floor leader Edgar Cabanlas underscored the urgency of scrutinizing the contractual agreement between the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) and Cagayan de Oro Bulk water Inc (Cobi).
Cabanlas expressed deep concern over COWD’s financial capacity to meet its obligations, particularly its sizable debt exceeding P400 million to Cobi.
Highlighting the opacity surrounding the contract, Cabanlas revealed that the council had not been privy to its contents since its signing in 2017.
“Kung walay kwarta ang COWD para pambayad, we cannot also borrow money kay ang local water works administration wa say kwarta,” he stated, underscoring the financial constraints faced by both COWD and local lending institutions.
The council, exemplifying a commitment to transparency and accountability, swiftly passed resolution number 2024-621 during the session, compelling COWD to furnish them with an authentic copy of the contract.
Cabanlas emphasized that this request had been outstanding for seven years, with the council receiving no response from COWD.
Councilors Roger Abaday, James Judith, and Ian Mark Nacaya rallied behind Cabanlas’ resolution, echoing the need for clarity and transparency in the management of public funds. Judith stressed the importance of obtaining not merely a copy but a certified true copy of the contract.
Responding to mounting pressure, Gerry Caño, a Board of Directors of COWD, affirmed the district’s willingness to disclose the contract to the council, citing the public's interest as their paramount concern.
As the city grapples with the intricacies of its water supply management, the unfolding discourse underscores the imperative of transparency and collaboration between public entities and civic representatives for the greater good of the community.
