CSFWD director Tonette Orejas texted a fi ve-point reply when asked to comment on the issue.
1. In a Sept 23, 2016 opinion, deputy government corporate counsel Elpidio J. Vega stated that the joint venture procedures under the 2913 NEDA JV guidelines “have been followed to the letter” by CSFWD.
2. According to the OGCC (Offi ce of the Government Corporate Counsel), “Records of the JV proceedings show that Manila Water Corp. signifi ed its intention to participate in the competitive challenge process and actually purchased eligibility documents on 21 June 2016.
However, on 25 July 2016, the last day of submission of eligibility and proposal, MWC in its letter of the same date withdrew its participation. Thus, there was no challenger to Prime- Water’s unsolicited proposal in the competitive challenge stage.”
3. CSFWD Director Tonette Orejas said, “Balibago Waterworks has not submitted an unsolicited proposal although the CSFWD has granted its request for an extension of three months to complete its study. BW did not buy bid documents or participated in the bidding. It had all the opportunity to propose n bid but it did not.”
4. “The contractual joint venture with Prime- Water is validly found to be in the best interest of water consumers in the CSF, “ Orejas said, referring to the P3-billion investment over 25 years that would provide safe and stable supply of water to the Pampanga capital.
5. With due respect to Mr. Tito Panlilio and while I assert that the bidding was regular, I suggest he should bring his questions on the integrity of the bidding to the Local Water Utilities Administration, OGCC or appropriate court.”
For his part, CSFWD director Fer Caylao blamed Cristino “Tito” L. Panlilio, BWSI president and said it’s his fault. “O kasalanan na, eh. Ela man miras second stage (It’s his fault. They didn’t even reach second stage).”
