By Delon Porcalla and Rhodina Villanueva (The Philippine Star) Updated September 03, 2009 12:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines - A Las Piñas court has lifted its injunction against the laying of water pipes in BF Homes Parañaque, paving the way for Maynilad to eventually provide potable water to subdivision residents on a 24/7 basis.
The Aug. 25 decision of Judge Raul Bautista Villanueva was revealed by the counsel of BF Homes Inc. during yesterday’s hearing of the House committee on housing and urban development which was presided by Manila Rep. Amado Bagatsing.
“I’m very happy for the homeowners (of BF Homes). It’s a win-win solution for everybody. Now that this problem has been solved, maybe the prices of real estate there will shoot up because water will no longer be a problem,” said Bagatsing.
In a 29-page summary judgment, Villanueva – who has been the subject of an administrative complaint by BF Homes residents – declared that “Maynilad and its contractors are covered by the writ of preliminary injunction with respect to water pipes laying.”
“This is a historic moment for Parañaque. This is what we dreamt of for several years. I’m so happy that this is happening during our watch. As I said, all’s well that ends well. Now, we can look forward to pipe laying unimpeded and water 24/7,” said Parañaque Rep. Roilo Golez.
For “posterity” purposes, Golez moved for a photo opportunity between representatives of BF Homes Inc., Philippine Waterworks and Construction Corp. (on the one hand) and MWSS, Maynilad and HLURB (on the other), where both parties shook hands.
Likewise, Bagatsing reiterated his request to Maynilad to provide the committee details on how fast can it lay the water pipes in Parañaque, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa and provide water as well to residents of the three areas, 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
Maynilad said it can provide the request a week or even earlier than that.
Without prejudice
“What is important here is that BF Homes will no longer block the laying of water pipes,” stressed Golez, who spearheaded the campaign, along with BF Homes residents. “The courts are passive, it won’t act if there is no petition. So, this is a good sign for us.”
Bagatsing, who has been in the development and property business for decades, said the court ruling is “without prejudice” to rights that BF Homes Inc. may have over the subdivision.
Earlier, the House committee, headed by Mindoro Oriental Rep. Rodolfo Valencia, directed the National Water Resources Board to issue a “cease and desist order” stopping the BF Homes Inc. from opposing the laying of pipes by Maynilad in the BF Homes subdivision.
Maynilad president Rogelio Singson told the Valencia panel that they can carry out and finish the laying of water pipes and providing water in the area by “December this year” for as long as there are no legal impediments.
“For as long as there is no judicial interference, Maynilad can deliver,” Golez declared.
Singson likewise categorically stated that Maynilad is willing to “compensate” BF Homes Inc. for whatever revenues it intends to recover. “We’d like to see what’s recoverable in their P60 million. We’re ready to compensate that.”
“Hopefully, this will put to rest whatever they have to get from homeowners,” Singson said.
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