The Manila Times

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Las Piñas court stops CSJDM takeover of water operation

A LAS PIÑAS CITY regional trial court (RTC) has issued an injunction aimed to stop the city of San Jose del Monte (CSJDM) in Bulacan from taking over water distribution operations from the PrimeWater Infrastructure Inc. CSJDM Mayor Florida Robes confirmed to The Manila Times receiving the latest court ruling, as she lamented how PrimeWater chose to pursue legal action instead of working with the local government to respond to mounting complaints from the residents. “We just had the copy of an order from the Las Piñas Regional Trial Court in relation to PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp.’s latest petition seeking injunctive relief against the local government’s efforts to resolve the continuing water crisis in the city,” Robes said. It was the third time PrimeWater has tried to stop the city government from taking over water distribution, she said. The first two petitions before the RTCs of Bulacan and Las Piñas were dismissed, with the courts recognizing that the public injury caused by the continuing water problem carries greater weight than PrimeWater’s contractual claims under its joint venture agreement. Despite the latest court order, Robes, a former lawmaker-turned-mayor, assured San Joseños that the interim management of local water operations would continue in partnership with Metro Pacific Water, “consistent with our duty to protect the public and restore reliable water service.” “We will pursue all available legal remedies to defend the validity of our actions, uphold the authority of the local government, and protect the interest of every San Joseño,” the mayor, who is the wife of incumbent Rep. Arthur Robes, vowed. She reiterated that the city government’s priority would remain unchanged: “Stabilize water services, correct long-standing problems in the system, and ensure that San Joseños receive the safe, reliable, and dependable water service they deserve.”

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