Duterte names retired general Morales as new MWSS chair

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has announced that he had appointed retired army general Ricardo “Dick” Morales as chairman of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS).

“Hindi ako pumapayag ng corruption. If I – pagbalik ko mayroon – Ang kinuha kong chairman sa MWSS, si Dick Morales,” Duterte said Thursday night in a speech during the thanksgiving party for Senator-elect Bong Go in Davao City.

“‘Yon yung sundalo na RAM na nahuli sa Malacañang. Rebelde pala…’Yan ‘yung nasa TV na sinampal si Imelda. Taga-Davao ‘yan,” continued the President, describing Morales. RAM refers to the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM), the group of military officers that played a crucial role in the first Edsa People Power revolution.

Franklin Demonteverde is the current MWSS chairman. Duterte, however, made no mention why he replaced him.

In April, Duterte threatened to fire MWSS officials for the water supply shortage that hit Metro Manila and nearby areas starting March. (Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)