Almendras is new MCWD board chairman

Local

CEBUANO executive Ruben Almendras was elected chairperson of the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) Board of Directors on Thursday, Jan. 29.

This followed an early morning board vote that replaced businessman Miguelito Pato at the helm of the troubled utility.

Almendras secured the chairmanship with votes from directors Mariefel Resma Roble and Earl Bonachita, forming a three-member majority. Pato and fellow director Jodelyn May Seno did not vote during the meeting.

The MCWD is a government-owned and controlled corporation responsible for water distribution in Metro Cebu. It is governed by a five-member board appointed by the Cebu City mayor, with regulatory oversight from the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).

Under existing rules, the board elects its chairperson from among its members.

MCWD directors, including the chairperson, typically serve three-year terms ending on December 31, unless they resign, are removed for cause, or are appointed to complete an unexpired term.

Almendras’ election comes as City Hall and national regulators move to restore stability to a board that has been hobbled by vacancies and governance disputes amid persistent water supply problems in Metro Cebu.

The leadership change follows a series of appointments by Mayor Nestor Archival aimed at breaking a governance impasse at the water district.

In January, Archival appointed lawyer-engineer Mariefel Resma Roble as the board’s professional sector representative after MCWD failed to complete the legally mandated nomination process within the prescribed period.

Roble’s appointment, effective January 12, 2026 until December 31, 2030, was made pursuant to Presidential Decree (PD) 198, as amended, which governs local water districts.

In a letter dated January 12 to then-chairman Pato, Archival said City Hall intervened to prevent further disruption in the delivery of essential water services, citing MCWD’s inaction despite earlier directives.

Roble’s appointment followed a November 4, 2025 directive from LWUA declaring the professional sector seat vacant after it invalidated the earlier appointment of John Rey Saavedra.

LWUA Administrator Jose Moises Salonga said Saavedra’s appointment was “not in order” due to the absence of proper solicitation and nomination documents. LWUA ordered MCWD to restart the nomination process in accordance with Section 12 of PD 198 and LWUA Memorandum Circular No. 005-16.

On December 3, 2025, Archival formally urged MCWD to immediately begin the solicitation process. With no response from the board, City Hall exercised its authority under Section 9 of PD 198, which allows the mayor to directly appoint a qualified representative to avoid paralysis in the water district’s operations.

Roble was nominated by the Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines Inc. (IECEP), which endorsed her through a board resolution. Certifications submitted to City Hall showed she is an active member in good standing.

Also submitted were her notarized personal data sheet, Professional Regulation Commission ID, and sworn certifications that she is not related to the appointing authority within the prohibited degree, is not a government employee, and is not covered by the one-year election ban.

In her appointment papers, Archival cited Roble’s combined legal and technical background, integrity, and active participation in professional organizations.

City officials have said the recent appointments were critical to restoring the MCWD board’s ability to function.

Under PD 198, at least three directors are required to constitute a quorum and transact official business, including approving contracts, authorizing repairs, and issuing policy directives essential to water supply operations.

In December 2025, Archival also appointed Almendras, a former MCWD chairman and veteran banker, as the civic sector representative, pulling the board back from the brink of a governance standstill.(TGP)