Duterte laments lack of water treatment facilities

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday lamented the lack of water treatment facilities even as customers were allegedly made to pay for their construction.

In a speech in Manila, Duterte told businessmen that they should not “forget the environment.”

“We've been paying the Filipino people, Manila. We've been paying for a water treatment fee. Sa tubig natin, sinali na 'yan,” he said.

“Akala mo ba sige sila kolekta? Hanggang ngayon, walang water treatment.”

Duterte did not mention a particular water company.

The Supreme Court earlier issued a decision imposing fine on water concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad worth P921 million for their failure to put up sewer lines connecting all households to the wastewater treatment facilities.

Manila Water then warned that the water rate could “exponentially” increase by as much as P26.70 per cubic meter or 780% if the SC decision is not reversed.

But the Ayala-led concessionaire clarified that the increase will not be passed on to consumers.

Manila Water has since appealed the ruling.

“The environment is a priority under my administration. Business should not only comply with all environmental rules and regulations but shall also take part of taking care of the environment. This is your duty as citizens of this country,” Duterte said.

“You can contribute by helping us build more disposal sites for our waste and treatment facilities. And for waste water and farms to produce food to nourish our people in the years to come.” —LDF, GMA News