FORMER Bacolod City mayor Monico Puentevella is planning to file a case against the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa)-Board of Directors (BOD) after its members allegedly failed to implement the order from the Office of the Ombudsman.
Puentevella, who held a press conference in his residence, said they are now studying the possible charges to be filed before the Office of Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) against the Baciwa-BODs.
Puentevella, who is also a former congressman, questioned the appointment of Baciwa Board of Director Eduardo Ravena after he was found guilty of grave misconduct complaint by the Office of the Ombudsman.
"You've been ordered by LWUA and you've been ordered already a copy by the Ombudsman and yet you do not recognize, you do not obey the order of the Ombudsman intentionally," Puentevella said.
He said on October 22, 2018, Ombudsman Samuel Martires approved the decision that Ravena was guilty of grave misconduct complaint and meted the penalty of dismissal from service with cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office and bar from taking civil service examinations.
He added that Baciwa is a government-owned and -controlled corporation.
Puentevella pointed out that one of the members of the Baciwa Board is supposed to be dismissed from the office since April 2018.
He said the Baciwa's contract or the joint venture with the Prime Water will be questionable because one of their BODs is already dismissed from the office or meted the penalty of dismissal from service with cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
Amlig Tubig convenor Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr. earlier said that Baciwa is now in the process to issue a "notice to proceed" and the "contract signing" with Prime Water.
"I have nothing against Prime Water because Senator Cynthia Villar is not only my former colleague in Congress for six years, she's my 'kumadre' in two weddings. I have nothing against it (Prime Water), but my only interest here is the mockery and illegality of the contract of a certain Ravena who has been ordered by the Ombudsman of perpetual disqualification one year ago," Puentevella said.
He said on September 27, 2019, LWUA acting administrator Jeci Lapus sent their letter to lawyer Lorendo Dilag, chairman of the BOD, for consideration and appropriate action on the complaint filed by Sarah Teresa Esguerra regarding her request to recall the appointment of Ravena as member of the Baciwa Board due to alleged corruption cases.
"The moment LWUA kicks out or terminate the services of Ravena, these people in Baciwa will still face the charges," he said.
Meanwhile, Dilag could not be reached for a comment as of press time.