MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives detained Bauan, Batangas Mayor Ryanh Dolor on Thursday, March 27, for snubbing the congressional inquiry into the privatization of the water supply system in his town.
Dolor was taken into House custody shortly after he arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila from Los Angeles past Thursday midnight.
The House public accounts committee chaired by Abang Lingkod Representative Caraps Paduano has been investigating the alleged misuse of public funds and properties by Dolor’s office since January.
Dolor skipped the probe despite three invitations, a show-cause order, and a subpoena issued against him, according to a House press release.
Dolor previously submitted a travel authority to the US issued by Batangas Governor Dodo Mandanas covering the dates March 11 to 26 for medical purposes, but lawmakers did not buy the excuse due to the lack of medical records.
The basis for the House probe was a December 2024 resolution, filed by six neophyte lawmakers who are part of the House’s Young Guns bloc, requesting an inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the operations of Bauan Waterworks System (BWS).
The local government first awarded private company Aquadata a contract for the semi-privatization of BWS in 2008. Under the contract, 95% of the gross income of the water supply system would go to Aquadata.
In 2018, the Commission on Audit issued a notice of disallowance flagging the irregularities in the local government’s transactions with Aquadata, saying it secured a contract despite failing to meet legal and financial qualifications.
“These transactions have deprived the Municipality of vital resources needed for essential public services, undermining the welfare of its constituents,” the House resolution read.
Aside from Dolor, Aquadata president Joseph Yu and vice president Jonathan Yu were also issued contempt citations and ordered detained by the House.
Dolor is running for vice governor in the 2025 midterm polls, facing Governor Mandanas and TV host Luis Manzano.
The Dolors have controlled Bauan since 1998. Running to succeed Mayor Ryanh in municipal hall is his wife Wendah Dolor. – Rappler.com