Sanggunian rejects Mabilog's request to declare calamity due to water shortage

The Iloilo City Council, during its Wednesday session has rejected Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog’s request to declare a state of calamity in the city due to a water shortage because they want to wait for supporting proofs.

In an interview over Aksyon Radyo yesterday, Councilor David Jamora said while there is no problem with the declaration, still, there should be a basis for granting the mayor’s request.

Councilor Jason Gonzales said that some city residents are already affected by the water shortage, but administrative guidelines must be followed before the declaration.

Meanwhile, Councilor Jeffrey Ganzon said that for the city to declare a calamity, at least 30 percent of the 180 barangays should make such request to the city government.

“After complying with the requirements, the mayor then can request the Sangguniang to declare that we are under a state of calamity,” he said.

However, Jeffrey Celiz, political liaison officer of Mabilog said that there are about 20,000 households affected by the water shortage in the city’s different barangays.

Celiz said the delay in the bulk water supply distribution of the Metro Iloilo Water District has worsened the situation.

Through the declaration, Celiz said that the city government can use its existing calamity fund to temporarily solve the problem.

“We need to mobilize our resources,” he said.

He said the SP has already set a special session to act on the said request.

He also clarified that the water distribution project of businessman Rommel Ynion who is running for mayor in the city, is not the reason for Mabilog’s request.

He said the request is for the benefit of the public and to prepare for the peak months of December and January.

He also pointed that the city government could not immediately act on the water problem since there are still legal impediments that they should consider.*