Local News

Council asks anti-corruption body to probe water district

Reynaldo G. Navales



THE Angeles City Council has asked the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (Pacc) to investigate the alleged irregularities in some contracts of the Angeles City Water District (ACWD) involving the water facility's officials.

This was gleaned in a resolution passed by the council, which stated that it received complaints regarding illegal contracts the ACWD officials forged with private contractors.

The City Council cited the purchase of bulk water from A.M. Gatbonton Ventures Corporation, which operates without permit from the City Government.

The City Council also mentioned the agreement of ACWD with a private firm on the usage of UV Rays disinfectant machines, which is not even required by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).

A separate resolution was passed by the City Council asking the assistance of the Office of the President in order "to stop the ACWD officials and protect the general welfare of the Angelenos."

ACWD officials, including chairman Bernie Cruz and general manager Reynaldo Liwanag, belied the accusations hurled against them by the city officials.

Both Cruz and Liwanag said that all of their contracts are above board and suited for the best interest of their concessionaires.

Cruz said their contract with AM Gatbonton is beneficial to ACWD because it is earning from the water being supplied by the bulk water provider without any investments in the construction of new water wells.

Liwanag, for his part, said that disinfecting the water supply with the use UV Rays machines will protect the consumers from any harmful contaminants and toxic chemicals.

The water district is committed to providing quality potable water to the people of Angeles City, according to them.

Councilor Jesus Sangil said the two resolutions were unanimously approved by members of the City Council last Tuesday, February 11.

Councilor Amos Rivera abstained during the voting, according to Sangil.

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