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Friday, May 13, 2005
Water district can be sued for misconduct
By Aurea A. Gerundio
AN ADMINISTRATIVE suit for misconduct may be filed by consumers against officials of the Davao City Water District (DCWD) for scheduling public hearings on the proposed water rate hike after its board approved a 60 percent increase, Councilor Jesus Zozobrado Jr. told reporters Thursday.
Zozobrado, who expressed support for Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang's signature campaign against the water rate hike, said the DCWD should have conducted public hearings before approving the percentage of increase to be imposed.
"What is the basis of the Board for coming up with 60 percent increase kung walang (if there is no) public hearing?" Zozobrado asked, although he does not hold much respect for public hearings on such issues saying nothing substantial is really gained from these.
"If the DCWD officials will not heed demands of the public during the hearing, there is no punitive provision under the law for this regard," Zozobrado said.
Zozobrado said there is no penalty for DCWD if the company nevertheless imposes an increase despite opposition of the public.
Earlier, Councilor Angela Librado-Trinidad pointed out the violation of the DCWD on the Letter of Instructions 700 given after Presidential Decree 198 or the Provincial Water Utilities Act of 1973 was signed into law, which stipulates that "the water district concerned shall conduct public hearings prior to any proposed increase in water rates."
"The DCWD board made it clear that the increase in water rates was definite but the public hearings have been scheduled only on the third week of May," Trinidad said.
Trinidad has also asked the support of her colleagues in the council to oppose the water rate hike as she believes the increase at this time will only worsen the people's dire situation.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (May 13, 2005 issue)
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