Ferdinand dela Cruz steps down as Manila Water Pres

Chief executive officer and president of Manila Water Co. Ferdinand dela Cruz has resigned from his position effective August 31.

In a disclosure on Friday, the Ayala-led utility said dela Cruz stepped down as its top executive as well as a member of its Executive Committee due to “personal reasons.”

He will be replaced by former Foreign Affairs Sec. Jose Rene Almendras, whose term will be effective on September 1.

Before holding the top position at the said firm, Almendras was Manila Water’s president and COO in 2009 before he joined the Aquino administration. He served as Foreign Affairs secretary, Cabinet secretary, and Energy secretary during the term of President Benigno Aquino 3rd.

Under his term, the water distributor reached its 100-percent satisfaction rating from their consumers.

Thousands of consumers criticized Manila Water after the prolonged water shortage last summer./ with reports from Bombo Christian Yosores; edited by Bombo Sol Marquez.