Senator Robinhood Padilla on Wednesday blew his top over non-delivery of water services in Marawi City, and questioned the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) why it cannot do its job despite availability of huge budget. Padilla angrily raised this question during a Senate hearing on the 2023 budget of LWUA, noting it has been more than five years since the infamous 2017 Marawi Siege occurred.
“The people of Marawi know that the government has given more than P1 billion as budget for the water projects. We cannot understand why they are not yet implemented. It is hard to explain to our people why we cannot implement something when we already have the budget for it,” he said.
Padilla also agreed with the observation of fellow Senator Ronald dela Rosa that some “extremist” groups might exploit the situation to incite the residents and bring about a “Marawi Siege Part 2.”
He added it will be hard to explain why despite a budget, authorities cannot give them basic services-especially water, which he said is a source of life. Among the projects that have yet to be implemented are a bulk water supply system worth P225 million, and a sewage treatment system worth P676 million.
“What is the fate of the sewage system and bulk water system? Are we still pushing through with water projects for temporary shelters when many of the occupants are about to leave? What happens to the projects?” Padilla asked the LWUA.
“I ask the LWUA to have compassion on Marawi residents – if we want peace in our country, let’s do our job,” he added.