“There is no truth to the allegation that when we were governor, we blocked the entry of Richli to Bohol by delaying the issuance of the digging permit for their project,” Cong. Edgar Chatto clarified this to the media at a press conference at the House of Lechon on Jan. 13, 2023 while answering a question on the so-called Bugwak Spring controversy.
Chatto mentioned that barangay officials of Patrocinio, Cortes led by Brgy. Capt. Allen Chatto sought advice from him before when he was governor, on whether or not, the village should accommodate the request of Richli Water to support its water right application.
“We advised that since water supply is needed in Tagbilaran, Dauis and Panglao, the water right application of Richli is worth supporting provided that no adverse environmental effects will result and this is properly consulted with the people of Patrocinio,” he shared.
Chatto explained that contrary to reports that he delayed the issuance of the digging permit for Richli Water’s Malingin Project when he was governor, he specially called an urgent joint meeting of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) and Provincial Development Council (PDC) at the Panda Tea Conference Room on December 12, 2017, solely, to accommodate the company’s need to explain, for the first time, the nature of the project which involves public interest.
Richli Water, at that time, had to apply for a digging permit for provincial and national roads for its Malingin Project.
Prior to this, the Provincial Government had no knowledge about Richli’s water supply project.
After all questions from the SP and PDC members regarding that Richli digging matter were addressed, Chatto immediately signed the permit, without going to attempted pressures from Richli Water until the company complied with the required presentation.
“We were encouraging private investors to come to Bohol and help through investments for water development in 8 clustered towns under the provincial water development plan,” Chatto added.
He also pointed out that he gave a very positive endorsement of Richli’s Technology knowing fully well that safe potable water is a pressing need. This is documented through video, he said.
Chatto further said that his presence at the Jan. 13, 2023 press conference was to show support to local government unit (LGU) Balilihan whose stand is to improve and provide water supply to its constituents; and since both government and private sectors can co-exist in advancing public service on one hand and business interest in another, sharing the same water source like the Bugwak Spring, will pave a way towards making water accessible to all.
In fact, Chatto gave encouraging words to Richli Water during his speech in Malingin, Patrocinio, Cortes (and not in Mabini town as a correction to an earlier story published).