ANGELES City Councilor Jesus "Jay" Sangil hit some officials of the Angeles City Water District (ACWD) for alleged "backdoor" negotiations with a giant water company in connection with the proposed privatization of the water district.
Sangil, chairman of the city council's Committee on Public Works and Engineering, said he received reports that a top official of the ACWD allowed the big private water firm in conducting meter data logger testing in their pumping stations and customers.
He said the private company is also doing a feasibility study at the ACWD office.
Councilor Alfie Bonifacio, the council's committee chairman of public utilities, earlier exposed the bulk water contract of ACWD with a drilling company allegedly used by one board director as its dummy to supply bulk water.
In a privilege speech, Bonifacio lambasted the same board officer and the ACWD manager, Engineer Reynaldo Liwanag, for entering into a questionable contract citing conflict of interest.
"Hindi po maalis sa isipan ng mamamayan na minamadali ang pakikipag usap sa pribadong kumpanya upang i-privatize ang Angeles water district dahil ilang board directors at opisyales ang mag-eexpire na ng kanilang termino," Sangil said.
Sangil said he received pictures of the ongoing data logging activity of the private company.
The water private company is aggressive in its joint venture to other water district nationwide, according to Sangil.
"General Manager Rey said he will not allow [the joint venture with a private firm]. But now he is singing a different tune, turning the table to the board," Sangil said.
"It seems that ACWD gave the water firm green light to do the data gathering. Eh naman, malyari iyan nung ala lang go signal from the top brasses of ACWD," he added.
Liwanag refused to issue any statements regarding the issues. (PR)