Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — A Senate panel investigated on Tuesday the water crisis affecting eastern Metro Manila and Rizal province.
Senate Committee on Public Services Chairperson Grace Poe said private water concessionaires Manila Water, Maynilad, and concerned government agencies were invited to the hearing to discuss the water crisis and come up with solutions to ease the impact of the supply shortage. Local officials and residents affected by tthe crisis were also invited.
She said that aside from looking for short-term solutions, the inquiry also aims to look for accountabilty.
“Kung mayroong nagkasala, kailangan matunton kung sino man ‘yon na nagpabaya sa trabaho nila. Kung isang pribadong kumpanya naman, siguro ang Manila Water mismo ang magpalit sa kanilang mga namamahala,” Poe said in a statement, when asked if she would recommend the sacking or firing of officials proven to be remiss of their duties.
The officials involved in the water supply mess also faced House leaders on Monday.
Manila Water said the number of barangays facing a water shortage has gone down to 11 from 61. It said it is working to service the remaining 10 percent without water in parts of Pasig, San Mateo, Taguig, and Tandang Sora in Quezon City. President and CEO Ferdinand dela Cruz said that despite the improving situation, water rations to its 1.2 million customers will remain until the end of summer.
Over 260,000 Manila Water consumers were left without water or with low water pressure beginning March 6, with Mandaluyong City residents hit hardest. Beginning March 14, the east zone concessionaire has rationed supply to all its customers.
[Translation: If anyone is at fault, you need to pinpoint whoever did not do their job well. If it’s a private company, maybe Manila Water should change those in charge.]
