Wednesday, October 15, 2008 Danny wants DCWD probed for water use fee demand
COUNCILOR Danilo Dayanghirang requested three council committees to investigate the soft drink manufacturing company’s complaint against the Davao City Water District’s (DCWD).
DCWD is allegedly asking payment for production assessment fee as condition to the issuance of "certificate of no opposition.
In the letter of Interbev Philippines to the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), which was forwarded to the City Council and read out loud by Dayanghirang during Tuesday's session, the firm said "it is not agreeable or in conformity" to the condition imposed by DCWD stated in the certificate.
The Certificate of No Opposition is one of the requirements of the CPDO for the issuance of a Zoning Clearance needed for the proposed site development of the company's plant in Barangay Binugao, Toril, Davao City.
Issued on September 30, 2008 and signed by DCWD General Manager Rodora Gamboa, the certification states that DCWD has "exclusive franchise for domestic, industrial and commercial water services in Davao City as provided for in Section 47, Presidential Decree 198."
It furthered that "the National Water Resources Board posted on September 18, 2008 the Water permit of Interbev Philippines." And thus, DCWD "states that it is not opposing the water permit application of Intervew Philippines and thus allowing the applicant to build/establish water wells".
However, DCWD also stated that this is "subject to the condition that it [Interbev] will pay production assessment at an amount to be determined by DCWD, when the wells become operational."
Dayanghirang, in an interview, said it is the first time that DCWD has asked for fees as condition.
"It is not right for them to do that. It is the local government, which has the right to collect fees and taxes. After all, it is the city that owns these resources," Dayanghirang said.
He added that such additional burden would discourage investors from doing business in Davao City.
"If they are to collect, there should be a specific payment system and not just according to the 'amount to be determined' by DCWD. If you give them too much elbow room without specific assessment guidelines, what's stopping them from demanding huge amounts or from other utilities to follow suit," Dayanghirang said.
The floor leader also could not help but chide DCWD.
"They are asking for fees for the use of water but they are not even paying the city their obligation for the utilization of its water," Dayanghirang said. (GLP)
