Maynilad willing to work with gov’t for new concession contracts

MANILA, Philippines — Maynilad Water Services Inc. on Thursday said it is willing to sit down with the government for new water concession contracts.

“We have an idea of what the government wants to review. We are just waiting for the formal communication to us, but we are willing to sit down and discuss with the government,” Maynilad President Ramoncito Fernandez told reporters at a Stratbase forum in Taguig City.

This was after President Rodrigo Duterte criticized Manila Water Company and Maynilad for 1997 water deals that were allegedly disadvantageous to the government and the public.

Duterte also ordered the water firms to create new utility contracts that were acceptable to the government.

Asked if the controversy will affect their services, Fernandez said: “It is our prime model and interest to protect the consumers.”