Almendras returns to MCWD board

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor D. Archival Sr. has appointed former Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) chair Ruben D. Almendras as civic sector representative to the utility’s Board of Directors, citing the urgent need to restore governance in the embattled water district.

In a letter dated December 9, 2025, addressed to MCWD Board Chairperson Engr. Miguelito G. Pato, Archival invoked Presidential Decree No. 198, as amended, after MCWD failed to submit nominees within the reglementary period.

“In view of the Metropolitan Cebu Water District’s failure to submit a list of nominees for the civic sector representative to the MCWD Board of Directors within the reglementary period as provided under Presidential Decree No. 198, as amended, the Office of the Mayor has appointed Mr. Ruben D. Almendras as civic sector representative to the MCWD Board of Directors,” the letter read.

The mayor’s communication enclosed Almendras’s appointment papers and supporting documents, including the nomination and board resolution from the Rotary Club of Cebu West, a certification of good standing, a sworn certification, and his résumé.

Almendras will serve as director effective December 9, 2025, until December 31, 2028, unless earlier removed for cause or upon resignation.

Archival announced the appointment during his weekly press conference, stressing that Almendras’s return is critical as MCWD is currently operating without a quorum—paralyzing procurement and expansion decisions.

“Now I already made a letter which will be submitted today… It’s Ruben Almendras,” the mayor said.

He emphasized that while water distribution continues, the absence of a fully functioning board has stalled major policy and operational decisions.

Beyond the appointment, Archival said he is demanding that MCWD present its plans for 2026 and beyond. He also wants concrete details on measures already undertaken or planned to reduce non-revenue water losses, which he estimated at about 100,000 cubic meters daily—equivalent to roughly ?6.5 million worth of wasted supply.

“That would be the meat of my letter to them as the mayor of Cebu,” he added.

The move comes amid mounting accountability issues confronting MCWD. The Commission on Audit has recently flagged billions of pesos in unreconciled property records, missing inventories, and misstated cash and receivables, warning that the water district’s financial position cannot be fairly presented.

Separately, a corruption complaint filed before the Ombudsman-Visayas has accused MCWD executives of favoritism in promotions, irregular supplier transactions, and questionable bulk water contracts.

Archival acknowledged the controversies but underscored his immediate priority: compelling MCWD to clearly define its future direction and stem what he described as staggering water losses. — (FREEMAN)