By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A local consumer group is considering legal action against the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa) over their proposed joint venture with PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation.
Labor advocate Wennie Sancho stated, after Baciwa said they were unable to provide details on the proposed deal because of a National Economic and Development Authority “rule of confidentiality,” every consumer has a right to know the dealings of their local water utility.
Sancho, alongside WaterWatch-Bacolod, the Diocese of Bacolod Social Action Center, among others, are planning to take legal action.
He had previously sent letters to the Baciwa Board of Directors but said they were repeatedly ignored. While acknowledging the two public hearings held on the matter, he also pointed out, the Baciwa Board failed to attend either meeting.
Sancho added, their organization is only seeking clarification, expressing fears the joint venture “looks like privatization.” He claimed, if privatized, consumers will be assessed an additional value-added tax, which will increase rates by 12 percent.
Bacolod City Councilor Wilson Gamboa, Jr. earlier lambasted Baciwa during a privilege speech before the Sangguniang Panlungsod and called on the Baciwa Board to “exercise public transparency and accountability” and said there needs to be consultations.
Gamboa also highlighted the P537 million borrowed in loans by the utility firm.
“Where did the P537 million loan and the additional supplemental budget of P108 million in 2002 to 2008 go?” he asked.
He said the utility firm’s lack of answers creates a “form of oppression,” which leads the public to view a joint venture agreement as a “necessary evil.”/DGB, WDJ