THE March 15 Black Friday protests will be against the corporate greed of Manila Water which has caused the current water crisis in Metro Manila. It will also assail the government’s opportunistic use of the crisis to justify destructive projects such as the Kaliwa Dam.
The claim that El Niño is to blame for the crisis has been exposed as a big fat lie. Manila Water has been expanding its customer base even if current facilities are unable to meet the growing demand. It is Manila Water’s obligation to provide the needs of its customers. It has failed to do so.
The National Government, meanwhile, has taken advantage of the crisis to push for the construction of the China-funded Kaliwa Dam. It has absolved Manila Water of any liability. It has not investigated Manila Water’s gross failures. It has not reviewed and rescinded the rate hike granted to Manila Water.
The people demand accountability for the crisis. The people demand placing consumer interests ahead of profit-making.—BAGONG ALYANSANG MAKABAYAN