CdeO secures injunction vs Metropac, COBI

“Dili nata makulbaan kay naa naman kining writ of preliminary injunction og makapahulay na ang discussion about water (crisis).”

(We no longer need to worry, because we now have this writ of preliminary injunction, and the discussion about water crisis is finally over.)

Thus, shared Councilor Edgar Cabanlas in his special report, during the regular session Monday of the 20th City Council presided over by Vice Mayor Jocelyn “Bebot” Rodriguez after a crucial victory in the ongoing legal battle over the city’s water supply.

This comes as part of a petition filed by the city government of Cagayan de Oro and Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) against Metropac Water Investment Corporation and Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Incorporated (COBI).

Cabanlas announced that after the honorable court of Branch 41 granted the city a temporary restraining order (TRO) for 20 days, it has now issued the Writ of Preliminary Injunction (WPI), directing Metropac and COBI to maintain the status quo and refrain from cutting off the water supply.

This essentially prohibits Metropac, COBI, and Rio Verde Water Consortium Inc. from taking any action that could disrupt the water supply to city residents.

He added that the WPI issued by Judge Jeffrey Acevedo offers a significant level of protection and relief from the threat of water supply interruption.

"The directive and the job given to me as a representative of this council is fully complied with," Cabanlas said after having successfully represented the city council as observer in the special civil case.

"We intervened in this case because we are the parens patriae of the people of Cagayan de Oro," he added, emphasizing the importance of public interest and general welfare.

In closing, Cabanlas expressed gratitude to the City Legal Office for their diligent work and effective representation in court, as well as to the RTC Branch 41 for considering the city's plea.