Mayor Rolando Uy on Saturday thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for directing the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) to take over the operations of the city government-run Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) amid supply issues.

In a statement, Uy said President Marcos’ intervention affirmed the “protection of the public welfare” as the basis for resolving the water distribution problems the city and its residents faced.

Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water, Inc. (COBI), owned by business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan, reportedly closed the main valve of the water pipe that leads to the entire city on Tuesday morning, affecting some 60,000 residents.

COWD allegedly failed to pay its outstanding water bill to the distributor.

During his visit to Cagayan de Oro City on Thursday, Marcos told residents that Pangilinan acceded to his request to restore normal water supply while a lasting solution is being out in place.

“Hindi natin hahayaan na mapagka-itan ang mga tiga-Cagayan de Oro ng kanilang karapatan na magkaroon ng sapat, malinis at ligtas na supply ng tubig (We will not allow the people of Cagayan de Oro to be denied their right to adequate, clean and safe water supply),” Marcos said.

Uy likewise said that the temporary restraining order issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 17 is a “legal and moral victory.”

In a six-page ruling, Judge Ana Candida Casiño said the people’s right to water is paramount over a contractual disagreement.

“It is inconceivable to let the people who are merely caught in the middle of the two disputing entities suffer injustice and be deprived of their right to water,” the ruling read.

Uy appealed to the people to “trust the rule of law” as the city handles the water problem. (PNA)