By Ric Obedencio | 11:19 AM March 08, 2025
Loay Mayor Atty. Hilario “Lahar” Ayuban stood pat in defending the water rights of Loay water system and the Loay-Loboc Joint Waterworks Systems from being eased out of its rights in fetching water at Loctob spring, Gotozon, Loboc town.
“Makalaum kamo nga buhaton nato kutob sa mahimo nga mapanalipdan ang interest sa katawhang Loaynon sa tubig gikan sa Loctob, Loboc.” Mayor Ayuban assured Loay to defend Loay interest and its water rights.
This came following Richli Corp filed in 2021 before the National Water Regulatory Board (NWRB) for the cancellation of water rights of Loay waterworks system, Loboc waterworks system and Loay-Loboc joint waterworks system. The aforesaid waterworks systems are sourcing out water from Loctob Spring, a source of Richli’s bulk water supply.
Several barangays of Loay have been served by the spring for almost 20 years, Ayuban said.
This prompted the mayor, together with Loboc Mayor Raymund Jala, rushed to Manila at the NWRB office, Diliman, Quezon City to secure records about the petition.
Richli Corp. is the petitioner against Loay Waterworks system, Loboc Waterworks system and Loay-Loboc Joint Watrworks System, respondents, in Water rights cancellation Case No. 2021-130, WP No. 15632, Water Use Conflict at the NWRB.
NWRB has issued an Order, dated February 13, 2025 signed by Atty. Ruby Anne Giselle C. Diaz, head Litigation adjudication section.
NWRB issued an order on July 18, 2023 for the respondents to file an answer. But the respondents did not file their answer.
NWRB pointed out that the respondents “deemed to have waived its rights to file answer and present evidence to support their defense.”
The water agency, also, ordered Richli Corp to file position paper within 30 days, after which and upon receipt of the position paper, NWRB “shall deem the instant case submitted for resolution.” (rvo)
