President Rodrigo Duterte yesterday indicated that the military may have to lead operations of water services in Metro Manila over his continuing frustrations about concession agreements with Maynilad and Manila Water.
“Last night, I was talking to the PSG, sinabi ko sa kanila huwag mo akong laruan na takot takutin ninyo ako, sige magsibat kami, bahala wala kayong tubig,” Duterte said.
“I will order the Armed Forces to operate. Sige sundalo, take over kayo,” Duterte added.
The President also accused the companes of economic sabotage over onerous deals and provisions on the agreement that are disadvantageous to the government.
“‘Pag niloko mo ako, niloko mo Pilipino. I will suspend the writ of habeas corpus and I will arrest all of you. Gusto ko makita ang mga bilyonaryo na nakakulong,” Duterte added.
Duterte said the two companies should speak directly to Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) administrator Emmanuel Salamat to iron this out.
“Talk to General Salamat. Mag-usap kayo diyan. Ako? I will just prepare the charges. ‘Pag hindi tayo nagkaintindihan dito, economic plunder,” he said.
