THE issue of water supply in Cagayan de Oro City has become a major topic of discussion following revelations by former Mayor Oscar Moreno.
He claimed that he left behind P500 million in city funds that could have assisted the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) before leaving office. This statement has raised eyebrows and sparked controversy.
The P500 million was also discussed and investigated after Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy formed a special task group to examine the contract between COWD and Cagayan de Oro Bulkwater, Inc (Cobi), initiated through Executive Order No. 109 – 2024.
City Council member James Judith and Radio Lampornas station manager Dr. Ronnie Waniwan are leading this fact-finding investigation as chairman and vice-chair, respectively.
“Wala ma release,” Waniwan said, adding that the funds were diverted by Moreno for Covid-19 relief.
“P100 million was released, but the purpose is unknown,” Waniwan said in a text message.
Mayor Uy’s political spokesperson BenCyrus Ellorin responded to Moreno’s claims.
“It is hard to believe that former Mayor Moreno can offer solutions now when he failed to release the funds during his administration,” Ellorin said, pointing out that the water crisis is one of Moreno’s legacies.
Speaking at the ‘Pakighinabi Serye’ in Sunrise, Mambuaya, on March 23, Moreno addressed concerns over the financial woes of the city-owned water district, which is why the P500 million was granted.
“Anugon wala gamita. Anugon kaayo kay tabang unta kana sa water district,” Moreno said.
However, Engr. Antonio Young, the former general manager of COWD, indicated that the funds were not released due to Covid-19.
“Wala man kay nag Covid man so wala na siya madayon,” Young said.
He added, “Wala ko knowledge ana if napundohan ba. Nag submit lang mi og program of works as required. Unfortunately, nag Covid man.”
It was reported that the P500 million was part of the 2019 budget, specifically allocated to assist COWD in addressing significant issues like the high rate of non-revenue water (NRW), which exceeds 50%.
It explained that NRW includes water lost due to outdated pipelines and illegal connections.
“If the funds had been released in a timely manner, COWD could have improved its facilities and services,” Ellorin questioned why the funds were not utilized during Moreno’s term.
“COWD was eager to access this funding and had prepared the necessary documents for its use. The people of the city deserve to know why the money was not released,” Ellorin rhetorically asked.
A statement from city hall dismissed Moreno’s current proposal to return to office and provide an interest-free loan to COWD.
“This sounds like an empty promise. The city has already allocated resources for various Covid-19 responses,” the reads in part, suggesting that Moreno’s claims are distractions from his administration’s failures.
The city’s financial capacity during the pandemic was also highlighted. Despite the challenges posed by Covid-19, it noted that the city council, under Vice Mayor Ranier Joaquin ‘Kapkik’ Uy, had sufficient funds for disaster response and health initiatives.
“The national government also provided significant support for Covid-19 relief efforts,” the statement reads.
Frustration over the lack of accountability regarding the P500 million was expressed.
“The community is asking, ‘Where is the help?’ It is crucial for the previous administration to clarify the status of the funds,” the press statement reads.
Meanwhile, City Mayor’s Office chief of staff Sheila Lumbatan called for transparency and action from all city leaders as the water crisis continues to affect many residents.
“We need to focus on real solutions and ensure that the people of Cagayan de Oro have access to clean and reliable water,” she said.
Lumbatan noted that the revelation about the P500 million has opened a dialogue about accountability and the need for effective governance in addressing the city’s water issues.
“The people of Cagayan de Oro are eager for answers and solutions,” she said.
