SP amends resolution interposing no objection to Rio Verde

DURING its regular session on Monday, the 20th City Council amended Resolution No. 14895-2024, passed during a Special Session on April 8, 2024, pertaining to the application of Rio Verde Water Consortium, Inc. to supply Level III Water to all barangays in Cagayan de Oro City, which are either waterless or have not been adequately supplied by the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD).

The amendment removed the provision stating that the corporation could charge customers ₱15.00 per cu.m. for the first three years, increasing to ₱16.00 per cu.m. from the fourth to fifteenth year.

This, after Mayor Rolando A. Uy through City Legal Office expressed strong reservations about the resolution. The City Mayor emphasized that the City Council lacks the authority to regulate water prices, which is vested with the National Water Resources Board (NWRB).

The NWRB is mandated to manage and regulate water resources and services nationwide, including setting water rates as part of the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) being applied for by private water providers, the letter further pointed out.

The purpose of the amendment is to properly reflect the essence and purpose of Rio Verde’s request to the City Council to pass a resolution interposing no objection pertaining to Rio Verde’s application for Level III Water Source Waterworks system before the NWRB. The legislation was certified urgent by the City Mayor and approved by the City Council.