Gasataya declines intervention in Baciwa leadership dispute

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Greg Gasataya has refused to intervene in the leadership conflict between the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa) Board of Directors and its ousted general manager.

The Board passed a resolution removing general manager Mona Dia Jardin due to “loss of confidence.”

Jardin rejected the resolution and refused to vacate her post, calling it illegal, null, and void.

Gasataya said he only learned about the issue when it was reported in the media.

“Baciwa should resolve the issue internally,” the mayor said in a recent interview.

“As to the legal basis of each and everyone, the city cannot interfere,” he added.

He explained that the city may only intervene if it appoints a director, while operations and decision-making remain the Board’s responsibility.

Gasataya expressed hope that the Board’s decision will lead to better water services in Bacolod.

“We are hoping that with whatever decision that the Board did, it will help improve the delivery of safe and potable water for Bacolodnons. That is our concern,” he said.

The resolution cited Jardin’s failure to penalize PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. (PWIC) for violations under the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) and her failure to pay back wages to redundant employees, which has led to multiple lawsuits.

The resolution also appointed Engr. Michael Soliva as acting general manager while retaining his role as environment, water resource, sewerage, and sanitation management division head.

In a media interview five days after the Aug. 22 Board meeting, Jardin said she had recommended penalties and even pre-termination of the JVA with PrimeWater due to violations but was told by the Board to wait for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s pronouncement.

On the employee issue, Jardin said 59 workers chose not to transfer to PrimeWater, and the matter is now with the Insurance Commission and the Court of Appeals.

Despite being barred from Baciwa premises, Jardin insisted she is still the rightful general manager and vowed to continue reporting for work while pursuing legal remedies.

She said she never questioned the Board’s authority but described her removal as harassment since she was denied due process.

“I acknowledge that my position is at the pleasure of the Board. I will leave if the removal was done in a proper way, not by treating me like this,” she said.

Jardin, who was appointed in May 2022, argued her term should run until 2028 unless terminated lawfully.