• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Water Watch Advocates, representing water consumers of Bacolod City, filed a petition for the revocation of the joint venture agreement (JVA) between Baciwa and PrimeWater before the Office of the President.
In his petition letter addressed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Water Watch Advocates convenor Wennie Sancho said the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) between Bacolod City Water District (BACIWA) and PrimeWater was executed without submitting it for ratification by the consumers of Bacolod City, depriving them of their right to participate in the decision-making process.
“Our request for a public hearing on the issues surrounding the JVA was ignored by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Bacolod City, denying us the opportunity to air our concerns and grievances,” he said.
The JVA has resulted in substandard water quality, particularly turbid water, affecting the health and well-being of consumers, he added.
GROUNDS FOR REVOCATION
Sancho said they seek the revocation of the JVA on the following grounds: the JVA was not submitted for ratification by the consumers, violating their right to participate in the decision-making process, the SP’s refusal to hold a public hearing on the issues surrounding the JVA denied consumers their right to be heard and participate in the oversight process, the turbid water issue demonstrates PrimeWater’s inability to meet basic water quality standards, persistent water quality issues indicate a lack of attention to consumer needs and concerns, and the JVA’s terms and conditions seem to prioritize the interests of Prime Water over those of the consumers.
Water Watch Advocates prayed that the Joint Venture Agreement between BACIWA and PrimeWater be revoked, and a thorough investigation be conducted into the water quality issues and other concerns.
They also asked that alternative arrangements be explored to ensure access to safe, potable, and affordable water for Bacolod City consumers.
INITIAL SUBMISSION
Sancho said the petition serves as an initial submission, and that they intend to gather signatures from fellow consumers in support of this petition.*
