PRRD Suspects Senator Drilon Involves In Onerous Contract With Maynilad, Manila Water

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, December 3, asked opposition Senator Franklin Drilon if he was among those who “crafted” the “onerous” concession agreements signed in 1997 between the government and Manila Water Co. and Maynilad Water Services.

Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of newly-appointed government officials in Malacañang, President Duterte recalled how Senator Drilon cautioned the government against “tinkering” with the contracts because we will end up paying so many billions of pesos.

“I distinctly recall that Drilon said something, ‘Presidente Duterte, do not tinker with that contract because we will end up paying so many billions of pesos.’ Senator Drilon, are you one of those who crafted the contract? I’m asking you,” President Duterte said.

The President said Senator Drilon should tell the people if the government deals with Maynilad Services, Inc. and Manila Water were “good for the people.”

“I’m ready to go down. I’m not trying to scare you but if I go down, I will drag you down. I’m not afraid. I’m not challenging you. Just tell the people the truth. You read the contract aloud and say if it is good for the people,” he added.

After the senator earlier asked him to be careful in reviewing government contracts, President Duterte told Senator Drilon not to mess with him.

“Do not f*** with me — you’re trying to scare me by saying, billions of pesos. If I go down, you go down. I am ready anytime. I’m ready to be destroyed anytime. But I will also destroy you because you destroyed my country,” he said.

The President is furious over the alleged irregular government contracts with the two water companies and vowed to run after those behind the deals.

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President Duterte said the contracts are lopsided because they contain provisions preventing the government from interfering with rate adjustments as well as allowing indemnity claims from the government over losses.

He said the government is “being milked by billions” through the payment of fines and penalties.

Meanwhile, Malacañang on Wednesday revealed that some government officials had helped craft the allegedly “onerous” contract with water concessionaires Manila Water Co. and Maynilad Water Services Inc.

Earlier, President Duterte has ordered the filing of appropriate criminal, civil, and administrative charges against all those involved in the said agreements including the firms’ owners and their legal counsels, as well as agents, lawyers of the government and government officials for economic sabotage.

Source: MB