Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer (Neg Occ, 4th District) with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after he delivered his State of the Nation Address.*
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said government is addressing poor services by water districts and their joint venture partners, and is taking steps to prevent a recurrence of the widespread blackouts that hit Siquijor.
In his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 28, Marcos highlighted numerous complaints about water failing to reach residents’ taps.
“Based on the extent of the complaints, over six million consumers nationwide are currently affected,” he said.
“That is why the LWUA (Local Water Utilities Administration) is taking effective steps against the sloppy service of the water districts and their joint venture partners. The LWUA will ensure that the water service of millions of our countrymen is put in order and the price is also made more affordable,” Marcos said.
Marcos also emphasized accountability, stating, “Above all, we will ensure that those who neglect and fail in this important public service are held accountable.”
In Bacolod City consumer groups have been calling for the termination of the joint venture agreement between the Bacolod City Water District and PrimeWater Infrastructure due to “poor service and water quality”.
During his SONA, Marcos also addressed the widespread brownouts that led Siquijor to declare a state of calamity.
He reported that investigations revealed expired permits, neglected and broken generators, slow action, and a lack of proper systems for purchasing crude oil and parts.
“I have ordered the DOE (Department of Energy), NEA (National Electrification Administration) and the ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission) to restore normal power service in Siquijor before the end of the year. We will ensure that facilities are immediately established for a long-term solution to their power problem,” Marcos said.
“This must not happen again,” he stressed.
“The negligence that occurred here, and other similar cases throughout the country, will be investigated. They should fix the management of the power companies, and order refunds if necessary,” Marcos added.*