• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The Baciwa Employees Union called for the revocation of the joint venture agreement (JVA) between Baciwa and PrimeWater, and the end of the privatization of all water utility firms.
Leny Espina, BEU president, said they believe that water utility firms should not be run by a private entity as it is the obligation of the government to protect basic services like water. They believe that PrimeWater should not continue its joint venture with Baciwa due its failure to deliver water, and for the continued water rate increases.
She said that before PrimeWater came in, Baciwa had been able to operate for 46 years. BEU and consumer group Amlig Tubig will continue to fight against the joint venture involving Baciwa and Prime Water.
They also support the order of the President for the investigation of the joint ventures entered into by all water utility firms with PrimeWater, she added.
Espina said they are also calling on the people not to vote for senatorial candidate Camille Villar, because of their concern for the plight of water utility firms. However, she called on the voters to support local candidates running for the post of councilor such as Christian Weber, former Diwa Partylist Rep. Pete Pico, and former councilor Wilson Gamboa, who are members of consumer group Amlig Tubig.
People should vote wisely in this election if they want to see real change, she said.
Bayan Muna spokesperson Berlita Ante said they are endorsing mayoralty candidate El Cid Familiaran, transport leader Lilian Sembrano, and former councilor Archie Baribar, who are all running for councilor under Team El Cid, because these candidates have been helping several sectoral organizations under Bayan Muna with their concerns, even before the election.
Ante said they also support the call of the Baciwa Employees Union to rescind the JVA between Baciwa and PrimeWater, and for the control of the water utility firms to be returned to the government. After five years in operation, Prime Water failed to deliver its promise, they said.
Bayan Muna would like to return to Congress to address the problems faced by water utilities and to call for the recession of the JVA between Baciwa and PrimeWater.*
