Cagayan de Oro Mayor Commends Presidential Intervention in Water Supply Crisis

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines — Mayor Rolando Uy expressed gratitude on Saturday towards President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his decisive action in resolving the water supply disruption in Cagayan de Oro by directing the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) to oversee operations of the city’s water district.

According to Philippines News Agency, the President’s intervention played a crucial role in addressing the ongoing issues with the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD), which had been affected by a significant act by Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water, Inc. (COBI), a company owned by Manny V. Pangilinan. On Tuesday, COBI reportedly shut the main water valve due to COWD’s outstanding bills, leaving approximately 60,000 residents without water.

During a visit to the city on Thursday, President Marcos announced that he had secured an agreement from Pangilinan to resume the water supply while efforts to find a permanent resolution continue. “We will not allow the people of Cagayan de Oro to be denied their right to adequate, clean, and safe water supply,” Marcos stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding public welfare.

Additionally, Mayor Uy highlighted a recent legal victory where a temporary restraining order was issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 17, describing it as a “legal and moral victory.” Judge Ana Candida Casiño ruled that the community’s right to water supersedes the contractual disputes, stating, “It is inconceivable to let the people who are merely caught in the middle of the two disputing entities suffer injustice and be deprived of their right to water.”

Mayor Uy called on residents to trust in the rule of law as the city works to permanently resolve the water crisis.