Ousted BACIWA GM questions legality of board resolution

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Bacolod City Water District (BACIWA) General Manager Mona Dia Jardin claimed the Board of Directors’ declaration that her term had “expired” was illegal.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Jardin said she would continue reporting to her office despite being barred by security personnel.

She acknowledged serving at the pleasure of the board but argued that she was not given due process.

Jardin said the board issued a resolution declaring her term expired effective at the close of office hours on Aug. 22, 2025.

The BACIWA board cited “loss of confidence” as the basis for her termination.

In the same resolution, the board appointed Engr. Michael M. Soliva as acting general manager and concurrent head of the Environment, Water Resource, Sewerage and Sanitation Management Division.

Three of the five board members signed in favor of the resolution—Chairperson Sonya Verdeflor, Edgardo Uychiat and Clarissa Araneta.

Board member Lorendo Dilag voted against it, while Rich Ann Zayco abstained.

The board cited Jardin’s role as a signatory to the controversial Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. (PWIC), claiming she failed to impose penalties or sanctions despite PWIC’s alleged deficiencies, violations and non-compliance with the JVA terms.

The resolution further stated that while BACIWA employees declared redundant after the JVA had not received back wages for the past five years, the management had not acted to resolve this—resulting in various lawsuits filed against the agency.

In a letter addressed to the board, Jardin wrote: “I was informed that a resolution was approved by three of you, terminating my position immediately after office hours today, 22 August 2025, and designating Engr. Michael Soliva as acting general manager.”

Jardin said she would not vacate her position, arguing that the resolution was “illegal, null and void, and without basis both morally and in law,” for several reasons.

“First, the proposed termination came as a surprise, as it was never included in the agenda, preventing me from presenting my side or defense properly,” she said.

“Second, loss of confidence is not an all-encompassing ground to terminate a government officer, especially a general manager, unless a formal complaint is filed, a notice of hearing is issued and a formal investigation is conducted.”

Jardin argued that a board resolution alone is insufficient to remove a public officer protected under Civil Service laws.

“In this regard, I am opting for a formal investigation to be conducted by the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), after I have received a formal written complaint from you,” she said.

Jardin added that she would seek legal remedies, including filing charges against the BACIWA board.