CAGAYAN de Oro Water District (COWD) General Manager Antonio Young stated on local radio on Tuesday that Interim General Manager Fermin Jarales can only access the ground floor of the government-owned facility’s main office.
Young, who reclaimed his office on July 18, reiterated his stance that the takeover by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) through Jarales is questionable.
Despite being sidelined by Jarales on May 29, Young continues to perform his duties, arguing that working from home would disrupt daily operations.
Young expressed impatience with the six-month takeover period, citing the lack of evidence that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. authorized the takeover.
“All this will be solved through cooperation. Don’t impose yourself (referring to Jarales). Don’t use the President’s name. Show proof. Let’s ensure the President’s name isn’t being misused,” Young said.
When asked if he would allow Jarales to enter the building, Young stated that Jarales could only access the public areas on the ground floor.
“The first floor is open for water bill payments. The second and third floors are off-limits to unauthorized persons for safety reasons,” Young added.
Meanwhile, Board of Directors member Engineer Jerry Pacuribot dismissed Jarales’ challenge to resign, noting that his term ends in December.
Pacuribot denied claims of inaction regarding the water district’s P479 million debt to Cagayan de Oro Bulkwater Inc. (Cobi), emphasizing that any payment would only occur following a legal ruling.
“I have consistently opposed paying the P479 million,” Pacuribot stated, explaining that COWD lacks the financial capacity to settle the debt unless mandated by the court.
He remains engaged in board activities via Zoom, maintaining that he will abide by any court decision.
“Unsa ang desisyon sa korte, didto ako. No need for me to resign nga unom ra man mo kabulan diha (Jarales) until December ra man ko like the interim,” Pacuribot said.
