GMA to 3 mayors: Solve BF water problem

Malacañang has directed three Metro Manila mayors to help solve the water supply problem affecting thousands of BF subdivision residents in Parañaque, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa.

In an Aug. 13 letter to Mayors Florencio Bernabe, Vergel Aguilar and Aldrin San Pedro, the Office of the President called on them to act on a petition filed by the Homeowners Welfare Advocacy Group (HWAG) seeking the implementation of a law that would authorize Maynilad Water Services Inc. to take over water supply systems in their villages.

HWAG convenor Hernan Juatas received a copy of the letter late last week.

The General Government Administration Office, headed by Assistant Executive Secretary Lynn Danao-Moreno, said Malacañang is referring the issue to concerned local chief executives “for appropriate action.”

Earlier this year, HWAG asked for President Arroyo’s help because of subdivision developer BF Homes Inc.’s continued refusal to allow Maynilad to take over the water supply and distribution systems in BF Homes Parañaque and BF Homes Resort.

They also appealed to Vice President Noli de Castro, who assured that the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, which he chairs, is supporting their cause.

Bernabe, as Parañaque mayor, has directly communicated with homeowners’ groups and asked them to file separate petitions that invoke Presidential Decree 1345, a law that would empower Maynilad to take over water systems in residential subdivisions if the developer or owner has been remiss in its duty to provide households with potable, affordable and sufficient water.

Aguilar said he met with Maynilad officials recently to discuss the problem affecting his constituents in Las Piñas.

“The Sangguniang Panglungsod is crafting a local law that would support your call for the subdivisions to be opened up for Maynilad’s entry,” Las Piñas City Legal Officer Zardi Melito Abellera said.

Maynilad president Rogelio Singson said they are ready and willing to supply water to BF subdivisions in Parañaque, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa. He added that the implementing rules and regulations for PD 1345 are being finalized.