Amlig Tubig: ‘We want transparency’

“WE WANT transparency, public consultation, and transparency of the track records of the bidders.”

This was stressed by the convenors of Amlig Tubig, an alliance of concerned water consumers, led by Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr., Fr. Chris Gonzales, head of Social Action Center (SAC), and Christian Weber, representative of consumers group, after the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa) already received the documents of Manila Water Company challenging the original proponent Prime Water Inc. to improve the services of the water district.

Gamboa said last week, they also received the terms of reference (TOR) and they witnessed the opening of bid documents of Manila Water.

“We are not saying that there’s problem in it. We are only asking for transparency, public consultation, and transparency of the track records of these bidders. If you subject water services to bidding, the qualifications of the private entity and the terms of contract should be disclosed publicly in order to be transparent, to be fair not just to the prospective bidders, but to the consuming public as well,” he said.

He added the track record of the Prime Water should also be disclosed especially, its track record with other water districts.

Gamboa pointed out that Amlig Tubig is not against the intervention of any private company or joint venture agreement.

“We want transparency in all negotiations and processing inside Baciwa. So let’s see if they could offer us the best price and the best service like what they did in bulk water where several bidders submitted its requirements and from among the interested bidders they chose the best as far as service is concerned and the price difference is concerned. That’s also a private initiative so we are not saying that we are against the intervention of any private company or joint venture agreement,” Gamboa said.

Gonzales said that the basic services should be controlled or being managed by the government.

“We believe that the government is the people so the natural resources or the basic services should belong to the people. The Government is mandated under our Constitution to provide to the public clean and affordable water services free from any monopoly by a private company,” he said.

He added that under 1987 Constitution, Article II Declaration of Principles and State Policies, Section 15 states that the state shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.

Gonzales also asked the local government to extend support to Baciwa to improve its services.

Weber also said they are only asking transparency because whatever will happen to Baciwa or any form of privatization is very disadvantageous to the consumers.

“During the hearing at the City Council, we were surprised when the Baciwa Board announced that according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) guidelines they have the right not to inform the public because it’s confidential,” he said.

Baciwa chair Lorendo Dilag earlier assured the concessionaries that both the management and the board are against privatization and that partnership with private companies is an alternative to achieve their vision to give full consumers satisfaction.

He also assured that Baciwa will remain as government-owned and controlled corporation under the Local Water Utilities Administration.