MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened a military takeover of Maynilad and Manila Water over the “onerous” water concession agreements with the government.
“Last night I was talking to the PSG, sinabi ko sa kanila huwag mo akong laruan na takot takutin ninyo ako, sige magsibat kami, bahala wala kayong tubig,” Duterte said in a speech during the birthday celebration of former senator Manny Villar on Thursday.
“I will order the Armed Forces to operate. Sige sundalo, take over kayo.”
The President has warned to “expropriate everything” from Maynilad and Manila Water if he would not be satisfied with the explanation over the alleged onerous deals.
He also said he would arrest people whom he accused of committing economic sabotage.
“‘Pag niloko mo ako, niloko mo Pilipino. I will suspend the [privilege of the] writ of habeas corpus and I will arrest all of you. Gusto ko makita ang mga bilyonaryo na nakakulong,” he said.
“Where’s the big fish? O ito buwaya na itong p—inang ‘to dalawa [Maynilad and Manila Water],” he added.