MWSS still studying Maynilad-, Manila Water-proposed rate increase

With less than a month to adjustment water rates, state-owned Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) said it is still studying the proposed rate increase by Metro Manila's water concessionaires.

 

However, a consumer group labeled the public consultation as a hoax and claimed the rate increases were "almost approved." 

 

In a report by Julius Segovia on GMA News TV's "Balitanghali," MWSS held its first public consultation on the rate hike at the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

 

The rate adjustments are supposed to take effect in July, but it is still under the regulator's scrutiny, said Atty. Emmanuel Caparas, MWSS Regulatory Office acting chief. 

 

"Sinisiyasat ng mabuti ang kanilang mga dokumento, kanilang mga report, kanilang mga expenses, ang kanilang mga assets na ginagamit," he said.

 

"We always retain a very critical stance. We always have a very sympathetic ear when it comes to the complaints of the consumers," Caparas added.

 

West zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. proposed a rate hike of P8.58 per cubic meter (cu. m.).

 

Those consuming 30 cu. m. will incur an additional cost of P250 in their monthly water bills.

 

The west zone includes parts of Manila and Quezon City, west of South Super Highway in Makati, Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas, and Malabon as well as the municipalities of Bacoor, Imus, Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario in Cavite.

 

East zone concessionaire Manila Water, on the other hand, asked for a rate hike of P5.83 per cu. m., which means customers consuming 30 cu. m. will bear an additional cost of P125 to P135 in their monthly bills.

 

The east zone covers parts of Quezon City and Makati, the southeastern parts of Manila, Taguig, Pateros, Marikina, Pasig, San Juan, Mandaluyong, and Rizal province.

 

Under a concession agreement, a rate rebasing scheme is processed every five years and serves as the basis for MWSS to review a concessionaires' past performance and future plans.

 

However, consumer group Water for All Refund Movement (WARM) claimed the water rate hike petition was as good as having been approved by MWSS. 

 

The group wants President Benigno Aquino III to scrutinize the water sector during his state of the nation address in July.

 

"Kunwari may public consultations pero gawa na po ang script," alleged RJ Javellana, president of WARM.

 

"Nananawagan kami kay Pangulong Aquino na sa kanyang state of the nation address ay bulatlatin at tignan ng maigi ang sitwasyon sa sektor ng tubig," he added.

 

President Aquino will deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona) during the joint opening session of the 16th Congress on July 22, the same month MWSS targets to approve the water rate adjustments. — Danessa Rivera/VS, GMA News