After previously approving water franchises for South Balibago Resources Inc., the Prime Water Infrastructure Corporation, along with a joint submission by Manila Water Philippines Ventures Inc. and Tubig Pilipinas Group Inc., the Iloilo Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) yesterday granted a water franchise to New Earth Water System Inc. (NEWS).

According to the SP, the franchise for NEWS permits them to “construct, establish, commission, operate, and maintain a water supply system” for the city.

Iloilo City Councilor Plaridel Nava, who chairs the SP Committee on Public Utilities, said the 25-year franchise is intended to cover the entirety of Iloilo City.

He noted, while there are currently two other water franchise applicants, NEWS will likely be the last.

“Damo gusto mag engage water business diri sa syudad (There are many who want to engage in the city’s water business),” Nava explained. “That simply shows nga nakita nila nga indi kaya sang MIWD (That show they can see the Metro Iloilo Water District is not capable).”

Last year, MIWD sued eight SP members on charges ranging from graft and corruption to grave abuse of authority, among other allegations.

They also claimed the SP did not have the authority to grant a water franchise to Prime Water Infrastructure Corporation, claiming only the National Water Resources Board has such capability.

“Legal action may be undertaken against the issuance and the responsible city officials,” affirmed MIWD legal counsel Roy Villa. “We will  wait for the result of the elections.”/WDJ