THE Diocese of Bacolod Social Action Center (SAC) and the employees' union of the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa) have officially launched the "Amlig Tubig Coalition" and expressed opposition on the move to privatize the water district.

SAC head, Reverend Father Chris Gonzales, in a press conference over the weekend said the aim of the coalition is to watch the movements being made by the Baciwa board over plans to privatize the water utilities provider.

Gonzales said the coalition will also engage in educating consumers over the effects of privatization.

He further stated even though the board of directors are ignoring their calls, they will continue to oppose any plans to privatize Baciwa.

Bacolod City Councilor Wilson Gamboa, who was also in the press conference, said they have already informed the Office of the President as regards to the issues in Baciwa.

Gamboa confirmed they have already received the reply that the Department of Justice and the solicitor general to review all contracts of private water concessionaires.

The City Councilor added some congressmen have already expressed their willingness to hear the issues within Baciwa through an inquiry.

Last week, Baciwa chair lawyer Lorendo Dilag revealed the proposed joint venture has already passed the negotiation stage and that the Baciwa Board are currently preparing the Term of Reference. The competitive bidding may conduct the bidding next month once the TOR is in place.

Dilag has been denying that the Joint Venture is privatization emphasizing that the board is against privatization.