NWRB stops BFHI water operations

MANILA, Philippines - The National Water Resources Board has ordered BF Homes Inc. (BFHI) and its water distribution arm, Philippine Waterworks and Construction Corp. (PWCC), to stop operating a water system and charging residents of BF Homes which straddles the cities of Parañaque, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa.

In a recent order, the NWRB gave BFHI 10 days to explain why no legal action should be taken against them for violation of the Public Service Act.

NWRB pointed out that the BFHI and PWCC had been operating a water system in BF Homes and collecting fees without the required Certificate of Public Clearance. “Failure to comply within the period herein provided shall constrain this Board to impose the necessary legal sanction provided under existing laws,” the order read. “In the meantime, you are hereby ordered to cease and desist from operating a water system and charging water rates without a CPC from the Board in violation of the Public Service Act.”

The order comes while subdivision residents are clamoring for the entry of Maynilad Water Services Inc. and do water repair works in the subdivision. However, the BFHI has reportedly exerted much effort to block such actions.

Enjoying water service

In the Parañaque and Muntinlupa portions of BF Homes, pipe-laying work by Maynilad is already ongoing with some village enclaves already enjoying water service.

However, the Las Piñas City government is said to be brokering a compromise agreement between BFHI and Maynilad that would allow the water utility company access to the Las Piñas portions of BF Homes in exchange for a P10 per cubic meter add-on in their water consumption.

Heads of residential enclaves in the Las Piñas portion of BF Homes are said to be preparing a formal petition opposing the P10 add-on.

In a meeting over the weekend, the presidents of some 25 homeowners associations agreed to write Las Piñas City Mayor Vergel Aguilar and ask him for help, similar to what the city mayors of Parañaque and Muntinlupa did for constituents.

The Office of the Mayor however, has not yet received a letter from the homeowners.

The cease and desist order was issued by NWRB following a petition filed by Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez. The House Committee on Housing and Urban Development also called the NWRB to issue such order against BFHI and PWCC last Aug. 26.

Meanwhile, Engr. Fernando Javier, BFHI vice president for production/engineering, simply said they will file an appeal concerning the recent order issued by the NWRB.

For several years, BFHI failed to provide water to its residents, with only portion of a few enclaves, namely BF Northwest, BF International South, Legacy and HEVA still being partially serviced by PWCC.