Moreno questions petition in resolving COWD issues

"I don't believe that this petition will be able to solve our perennial (water) problems," emphasized Councilor Imee Rose Moreno during the 7th Special Session presided over by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez.

The Council held the special session to approve a city ordinance authorizing the City Mayor, through the City Legal Officer, to file a petition for intervention in two civil cases concerning the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) and COBI.

Moreno underscored the challenges faced by COWD, particularly emphasizing concerns surrounding non-revenue water and mounting debt.

The good councilor emphasized her stance that the local government should not act as legal representatives for COWD, but rather for the people. She also questioned the position of the OGCC as the legal counsel for COWD, noting a lack of visible action from them in response to pertinent issues.

Concerned about the apparent burden of legal action falling on the local government, Moreno suggested that the LGU facilitate solutions to the issues faced by COWD, such as approving loans to address non-revenue water or assisting in debt mediation through relevant national agencies.

Despite Moreno's reservations, the proposed ordinance received majority approval from the members of the 20th City Council, with 14 voting in favor and 4 against.