Gov’t cannot stop persons from filing suit vs water firms even if they accept new deal: Panelo

January 19, 2020

Malacanang on Sunday said the filing of cases against the two water concessionaire will push through even if they accept the new contracts prepared by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the government canmnot stop people from filing cases against Maynilad and Manila Water.

“It will push through . The President (Rodrigo Duterte) said even if they agreed, we are not guaranteeing immunity from suit because (if) someone wants to file a case against them. We cannot stop them,” Panelo said in a radio interview over Radyo Inquirer.

Panelo said the DOJ will be the one to file cases against the water concessionaires.

Last Friday, Duterte warned the two companies to not push him on the edge by requesting a temporary restrain order (TRO) against him.

“And do not force my hand into it. You go to the court and file a TRO to stop me. What you don’t want will really happen,” he said in a speech in Davao City.

“One night, I will arrest them all and you will just stay in the jail. How long? Until I say so. (ex-President Ferdinand) Marcos did it for 27 years, I’ll do mine for 30 years,” he added.

Duterte became angry after finding out contracts of the two companies did not benefit Filipinos.

Panelo said Maynilad and Manila Water expressed willingness to cooperate on what the government wants.

“I think that is a good sign,” he said.

Earlier, the DOJ said they will not force the concessionaires to accept the new contracts and they will be given ample opportunity to comment on the proposed amendments in the water concession agreements which are intended to protect the public from “profit-seeking capitalists.” Ella Dionisio/DMS