Business groups: Water crisis not a total system failure

MANILA, Philippines — Several groups, including chambers of commerce, tried to sympathize with the plight of the public over the water crisis but still claimed that the problem was “not a total failure of the system.”

Seven groups issued the joint statement on Monday, including the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) and the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham).

While the shortage has affected millions of consumers serviced by Ayala-led Manila Water Co., the group reminded that water services has improved since they got privatized years ago.

“While disappointment and anger are understandable reactions, we should recognize that the water service interruption is not a total failure of the system,” the statement read.

“It must be noted that water service in Metro Manila has vastly improved in almost two decades since the service was privatized,” it added.

Other groups

Besides MAP and AmCham, those behind the joint statement are Asia Pacific Real Estate Association, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, Foundation for Economic Freedom, Institute of Corporate Directors and Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Metro Manila’s water supply has been entrusted to two of the biggest conglomerates in the country—Manila Water for the east zone and Metro Pacific’s Maynilad Water Services Inc. for the west.

This month’s water shortage affected only the customers of Manila Water.

The groups said they “welcome and fully support” President Duterte’s directive to solve the disruption problem within 150 days. —Roy Stephen C. Canivel