By Argyll Cyrus Geducos

To address the looming problem of water shortage, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) urged the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to compel local chief executives to expedite the necessary permits so the MWSS can meet the deadlines of their projects, Malacañang said.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the MWSS made a number of proposals during the Wednesday evening Cabinet meeting to cushion the blow of the looming water shortage in Metro Manila.

According to Panelo, MWSS Administrator Emmanuel Salamat requested the issuance of department orders from the DILG to local chief executives to expedite the issuance of necessary permits to meet timelines of the projects of the MWSS.

He added that the MWSS also cited the need to secure assistance from other agencies to create a comprehensive water security plan and proposed the creation of an inter-agency task force on water supply and sewerage.

Panelo said Salamat also sought the declaration of Laguna Lake as a vital source of water which needs protection and security.

Last week, President Duterte warned that he would exercise his extraordinary powers to address the water shortage problem to hit Metro Manila this year, even if it meant taking over the water concessionaires.

“I cannot just allow people to go about without water even for drinking,” Duterte said.

“Expropriation, or outright police power. Wala. Just ganoon. Diretso (That’s it. I’ll handle it). You just go to court and file a case if you want. I am there and I will start to find a way to connect the water to the people,” he added.

Duterte reiterated his warning to water concessionaires to shape up or ship out.

“I will go there and operate it myself. I will take over and I will direct what to do. Ganoon lang ‘yan. Hindi niyo kaya? Sige ako. Umalis kayo diyan (That’s it. You can’t do it? Then leave. I will take over),” he said.

President Duterte warned water concessionaires early this year that the government would revoke their contract if they fail to address the water crisis that hit Metro Manila early this year.

The President also expressed support for the New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project but insisted that it should have safeguards, saying he would rather have people have water than none at all because of complaints on how the project will destroy the environment.

The project in Tanay, Rizal is facing opposition from environmental groups and local officials, saying it would displace Indigenous Peoples and will have an adverse effect on the environment.

“So kayong concern ninyo, local governments ganoon, it will pollute. I will just say to the, kung sinong mag-ano (So if your concern is it will pollute. I will just say that whoever’s in charge), you just place the safeguards,” he said Monday evening.

“It might create some danger or damage but that is not my concern. My concern is the welfare. Ganito ‘yan, the greatest good for the greatest number. That is democracy,” he added.

The President said he could not just allow the people to go thirsty because of concerns for the environment.

“Sabihin papabayaan mong walang mainom? Tapos (You will let people to go thirsty) just because your environment will be spoiled. That will not be a good answer to me,” Duterte said.

Earlier, Malacañang said the government could still rescind its contract with China for the New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project if it would be proven that the project is disadvantageous to the country.

The Commission on Audit (COA) has also questioned the selection of the contractor for the Kaliwa Dam project, saying the results of its bidding was in the “guise of being a competitive procurement process.”