Prosecute 2 private water concessionaires, MWSS execs for criminal offenses – solon By Charlie V. Manalo 09/07/2011

Prosecute 2 private water concessionaires, MWSS execs for criminal offenses – solon

By Charlie V. Manalo 09/07/2011
Describing the Metro Manila privatization scheme as a “big fat failure,” Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy yesterday called on government to prosecute the two private water concessionaires and officials of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for various criminal and administrative offenses, including the highly anomalous hike in water rates.

In a privilege speech, Herrera-Dy also called on the Commission on Audit (CoA) to impose its authority to conduct a “full-blown legal and transactional audit” of the concessions system with Maynilad Water Services Inc. and the Manila Water Company (MWC).

Herrera-Dy said the Constitution and various rulings handed down by the Supreme Court (SC) categorize the two privately-run water service firms as public utility companies which are restricted to 12 percent profit margin for their services.

She delivered the speech a few weeks after the House committee on good government concluded its inquiry into the controversies affecting the water privatization contracts of MWSS and the two private firms..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/metro/20110907met3.html