Duterte asks Manny Villar's advice on water contracts
Published Dec 13, 2019 12:00 am
By Genalyn Kabiling
Faced with a "problem" arising from the water concession contracts, President Rodrigo Duterte has asked for advice from former Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. about the matter.
President Rodrigo Duterte (Photo by TED ALJIBE / AFP)
Duterte admitted that he "highly respects" Villar and recognized his political and business acumen when he attended the real estate magnate's birthday celebration in Las Piñas City last Thursday night. The birthday celebration coincided with the inauguration of The Tent at Vista Global South located in Villar’s bailiwick.
“Ito ngayon, sir, ….mamaya siguro, sir, pagkakain natin, I will ask for your advice, ‘yung tubig (Now, Sir...maybe after dinner, I will ask for your advice about the water)," Duterte told Villar during the event.
"There is a big problem now, itong ano, sir, if I may unburden myself to you," he added at the event also attended by Villar's wife Senator Cynthia Villar and their children Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Vista Land CEO Paolo Villar, and Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar.
The President went on to unleash another tirade against the controversial water deals with Manila Water Company, Inc. and Maynilad Water Services, Inc., threatening to authorize a military takeover of the water distribution operations.
Furious with the allegedly onerous provisions in the water concession contacts, he also warned that he would sue and arrest the persons involved in the deals.
Duterte likewise told the Villars how the tycoons behind the water companies have allegedly duped their customers and passed on the payment of corporate income tax to the people.
He also said he will not talk to the water firms and would instead let Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) administrator Emmanuel Salamat negotiate with them.
“I’m not talking. You go to Salamat, General Salamat. He’s the MWSS (administrator). Mag-usap kayo. Bahala kayo diyan (Talk to him. Settle the issue with him),” he said.
“I will just prepare the charges. Kapag hindi tayo nagkaintindihan dito (If we fail to reach an understanding here), economic plunder, then there is no bail,” he said.
Early in his speech the President paid tribute to Villar, describing him as "a self-made man who personified sipag at tiyaga (hard work and determination) in all of his life endeavors."
He said Villar came from humble beginnings in Moriones, Tondo, helped his family escape poverty, and provided them with a comfortable life.
"The early hardship and experience of his childhood has strengthened his determination to succeed as a young entrepreneur," Duterte said.
He also praised Villar for his public service when he served as congressman and later as senator. The lawmaker crafted many legislations that improved the quality of people’s lives through healthcare, livelihood, social services, and education, he said.
"While Manny now focuses on managing his companies, the public will forever be grateful for his legacy of wholehearted public service," he said.
Duterte’s latest meeting with Villar came amid speculations that he was eyeing the billionaire to take over the water distribution operations of the two Metro Manila water concessionaires. The Villar family owns Prime Water Infrastructure Corp.
Malacañang has already fended off rumors that Duterte is pressuring the Ayala-operated Manila Water and Pangilinan-led Maynilad so he can give the water business to another oligarch.
President Rodrigo Duterte (Photo by TED ALJIBE / AFP)
Duterte admitted that he "highly respects" Villar and recognized his political and business acumen when he attended the real estate magnate's birthday celebration in Las Piñas City last Thursday night. The birthday celebration coincided with the inauguration of The Tent at Vista Global South located in Villar’s bailiwick.
“Ito ngayon, sir, ….mamaya siguro, sir, pagkakain natin, I will ask for your advice, ‘yung tubig (Now, Sir...maybe after dinner, I will ask for your advice about the water)," Duterte told Villar during the event.
"There is a big problem now, itong ano, sir, if I may unburden myself to you," he added at the event also attended by Villar's wife Senator Cynthia Villar and their children Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Vista Land CEO Paolo Villar, and Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar.
The President went on to unleash another tirade against the controversial water deals with Manila Water Company, Inc. and Maynilad Water Services, Inc., threatening to authorize a military takeover of the water distribution operations.
Furious with the allegedly onerous provisions in the water concession contacts, he also warned that he would sue and arrest the persons involved in the deals.
Duterte likewise told the Villars how the tycoons behind the water companies have allegedly duped their customers and passed on the payment of corporate income tax to the people.
He also said he will not talk to the water firms and would instead let Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) administrator Emmanuel Salamat negotiate with them.
“I’m not talking. You go to Salamat, General Salamat. He’s the MWSS (administrator). Mag-usap kayo. Bahala kayo diyan (Talk to him. Settle the issue with him),” he said.
“I will just prepare the charges. Kapag hindi tayo nagkaintindihan dito (If we fail to reach an understanding here), economic plunder, then there is no bail,” he said.
Early in his speech the President paid tribute to Villar, describing him as "a self-made man who personified sipag at tiyaga (hard work and determination) in all of his life endeavors."
He said Villar came from humble beginnings in Moriones, Tondo, helped his family escape poverty, and provided them with a comfortable life.
"The early hardship and experience of his childhood has strengthened his determination to succeed as a young entrepreneur," Duterte said.
He also praised Villar for his public service when he served as congressman and later as senator. The lawmaker crafted many legislations that improved the quality of people’s lives through healthcare, livelihood, social services, and education, he said.
"While Manny now focuses on managing his companies, the public will forever be grateful for his legacy of wholehearted public service," he said.
Duterte’s latest meeting with Villar came amid speculations that he was eyeing the billionaire to take over the water distribution operations of the two Metro Manila water concessionaires. The Villar family owns Prime Water Infrastructure Corp.
Malacañang has already fended off rumors that Duterte is pressuring the Ayala-operated Manila Water and Pangilinan-led Maynilad so he can give the water business to another oligarch.