President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday questioned the silence of Congress and his critics over the alleged onerous contracts of water concessionaires Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Company, Inc.
“This involves over billions [of pesos] but as you can see…Congress is silent. They have not called for an investigation [on the issue],” Duterte said in his speech before members of the League of Municipalities at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.
Lawmakers usually call for Congressional investigation on pressing public issues. The most recent of which is the franchise renewal of the media network giant, ABS-CBN.
Duterte claimed the respective water supply contracts of Maynilad and Manila Water in Metro Manila are riddled with illegal provisions, which he said are tantamount to the violation of the Anti-Graft Law.
“You don’t believe me? I’ll give you the [onerous service] contracts tomorrow [March 11],” Duterte said.
Duterte said the said contracts, which were signed in 1997, also contained other onerous provisions including passing income taxes to consumers, and charging consumers for a non-existent water treatment facility.
He reiterated his call to hold accountable the chair of Maynilad, Manuel V. Pangilinan as well as the chair of Manila Water, Fernando Zobel de Ayala, as proof of his commitment to go after the so-called “big fish” in terms of corrupt practices.
The former mayor of Davao made the pronouncement amid criticism from some individuals, which includes columnist, economist and broadcaster Solita “Winnie” Monsod that the administration has yet to go after any influential perpetrator of corrupt practices.
“This commentator is silent on this: Monsod. Before she kept yapping: ‘Where is the big fish? Where is the big fish? I said here it is, but the animal said nothing. I suspect that she is also connected with the… Well, somehow,” Duterte said.
He noted he is open to settle with both Ayala and Pangilinan as long as it made public.
“But [even] then I cannot assure you [Pangilinan and Ayala] that you will not be prosecuted for graft and corruption or plunder. It [involved] millions [of pesos],” Duterte said.
He said in the event that issue will not be resolved within his administration, he urged the public to continue pursing the issue.
“My request to you if I do not reach the finish line [end of my term] for one reason or another, kindly do not forget this. If you do not want to take any side or an overt act to show your displeasure or opposition or your anger,” Duterte said.
Image credits: AP/Bullit Marquez