Palace: Gov’t to go after people behind onerous Maynilad deal 

MANILA, Philippines — The government would still prosecute the people behind the onerous government contract with Maynilad Water Services Inc. even after the  water concessionaire said it was willing to drop the arbitration proceedings, Malacañang said Monday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said officials behind the deal “could be prosecuted, depending on their participation.”

“If a crime has been committed, then we should prosecute regardless of whether the parties involved have withdrawn. Just like when you commit a crime of theft, you return the money, but you can still be prosecuted,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

Manynilad chair Manuel V. Pangilinan told reporters Monday the water company was willing to drop the arbitration proceedings with the government if they could come to terms with the tariff issue.

The Supreme Court of Singapore has favored Maynilad in its P3.4-billion claim of indemnity from the Philippine government.

READ: Maynilad arbitration victory becomes final

President Rodrigo Duterte during his Cabinet meeting on April 1 ordered the review of all contracts entered into by the government to remove onerous provisions in the deals.

READ: Duterte orders review of all gov’t contracts

/kga