City gov’t tells MCWD: Inform us on rate hikes

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council urged the Metropolitan Cebu Water District to inform them beforehand of any water rate increase before the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).

Councilor Alvin Arcilla, who crafted the resolution on the matter, said that any increase will affect the city’s consuming public so it is just right that they are well-informed about it.

 â€œIn order for the local government unit so affected by the application to be aware of and evaluate any pending application for the increase of water rate from MCWD before the LWUA, it is but justifiable that a copy of the application should be submitted,” Arcilla’s resolution read.

The councilors said that they only learned through news reports about MCWD’s announcement to implement the increase by July, as a condition for the start of the bulk water supply contract tapping Carmen river.

The council was fully able to discuss the matter with MCWD in a public hearing last Wednesday, which pushed through despite the request of the agency’s ge-neral manager to cancel the consultation having conducted the same in 2005.

Arcilla’s resolution was approved by the Council last Wednesday, shortly after conducting the public hearing that was attended by MCWD, consumers, and various sectors.

MCWD is now requested to furnish the city government, through the Committee on Energy, Transportation, Communications and Other Utilities, the copies for any rate increase application filed before LWUA.

“The price for the usage of water should be calculated with an end in mind that the price for distribution is for public service,” added Arcilla.

MCWD Corporate Communications Manager Charmaine Rodriguez-Kara said they are amenable to the council’s request, although they are not obligated to it.

“Under the law, we are not required to inform them, though we are required to inform the LGU mismo, that’s why nag-conduct na ta og public hearing last 2005. Although okay, amo sila i-inform next time,” said Rodriguez-Kara.

She further said that while the Cebu City Mayor appointed MCWD’s board of directors, they are a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) and they have their own charter.

The council argued though that last 2005’s consultation is already a bit late and MCWD’s plan to fully implement the water hike should not come as a surprise to water consumers.

Rodriguez-Kara said they have filed their petition before LWUA and are now just waiting for its decision by June whether or not to approve the rate increase.  (FREEMAN)