The provincial government of Bohol is gearing up for a potential showdown with private water utility company Richli Water, with Governor Aris Aumentado warning that he will block any Richli projects if the company continues to oppose the government’s bulk water projects.

Aumentado has accused Richli of attempting to sabotage the provincial government’s P5.1-billion bulk water project, which is backed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

The project will provide water to several towns in the province, including Tagbilaran, Dauis, and Panglao.

The governor has expressed frustration with Richli’s alleged efforts to undermine the project, saying that the company has no right to oppose the plan.

Aumentado has also called on the League of Municipalities of the Philippines to take a unified stance against Richli’s alleged opposition to local government water projects.

Meanwhile, a local advocacy group, the Bohol Clean Water Alliance (BCWA), has been drawn into the controversy.

The group’s president, Hardy Leopando, has denied writing a letter to the IMF opposing the bulk water project.

However, Aumentado has accused Leopando of using the BCWA to sabotage the project on behalf of Richli.

In a separate development, Richli Water has written to the World Bank, asking that the bulk water project be implemented in areas where there are no existing water providers.

The company has denied that its letter was meant to oppose the government project, saying that it is concerned about the potential impact on its business.

The controversy has also led to the resignation of Willy Ramasola, a board member aspirant, as chairman of the BCWA.

Ramasola, who is a member of Aumentado’s ticket and allegedly an attack dog of Richlicompany, said that the conflict between the Capitol and the BCWA had placed him in an “awkward” situation.

In a related development, Loctob Water Inc. (LWI) is hoping to complete its water treatment plant by December 20, 2024, with the goal of providing water to several towns in the province by March 2025.

However, the company is currently embroiled in a controversy with the local government unit of Loboc over allegations of illegal quarrying.