Talisay drafts revised MOA with MCWD

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Legal Office has been given a go signal to start drafting the amendment of the Memorandum of the Agreement between Talisay Government and Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD).

It was earlier reported that Talisay City wants to amend the 22-year-old contract between them and MCWD.

Yesterday, during the council's regular session, the body approved the resolution passed by City Councilor Richard Francis Aznar requesting City Mayor Eduardo Gullas to renegotiate with MCWD and enter into agreement on setting guidelines in the operation of waterworks in Talisay.

MCWD Public relations officer Edwin Correos, in a phone interview said that they already have a scheduled meeting with Gullas, along with the Talisay City Legal Office.

Earlier, Gullas had ordered Aznar, along with fellow councilors Rudolfo ‘Rodi’ Cabigas and Antonio ‘Jojo’ Bacaltos Jr., to draft an amendment to the contract with MCWD.

The city council has been reviewing the details of the existing MOA that needs to be amended particularly on the appropriation of shares, the status of wells installed, and the public’s consumption.

There are reports that some barangays in Talisay have not received any services from MCWD considering that the latter’s 35 percent of its water supply comes from the wells in Talisay.

Due to the legalities involved, Aznar said that they have tasked the City Legal Office to work on the MOA.

“Kabahin man gud ni sa legality, mao na nga ang  City legal mao ang nag studio sa MOA,” said Aznar.

Included in the recommendations for revisions made by City Legal Officer lawyer Giovanni Sususco is to put limitations on the water extracted by MCWD daily from the Talisay wells, for MCWD to furnish the city with a report when submitting their quarterly remittances, and for a member of the Talisay Council to have representation on MCWD’s board of directors, among others.

Aznar is hopeful that both parties will come up with a new improved MOA, especially after MCWD first said they will abide and support any requests and recommendations of Talisay City. (FREEMAN)