Government warned vs inaction on water rate hike

Sen. Gregorio Honasan warned President Arroyo yesterday that she could face the people’s wrath if her administration would not act decisively to stop the impending increase in water utility rates by Manila Water Inc. Co. and Maynilad Water Services, Inc.

"The increase in water rates scheduled in August 2002 will be an additional burden to the already impoverished situation of Metro Manilans reeling from the recent increases in power, oil and other basic commodities," said Honasan.

The water rates have already been increased by the two public concessionaires twice, last January of this year resulting in more than 60 percent hike in the basic charges from P4.22 to P6.76 per cubic meter.

"Like the much-hated PPA in the electricity bills, I have noticed that more than 50 percent of what consumers were paying in their bills were not related to their actual water consumption as their bills include items such as foreign exchange losses, meter service charge, environment sewer’s charge and VAT," asserted Honasan.

Honasan said that since these added costs and losses are normally shouldered by companies engaged in various businesses and even public utilities, why should the government agree to pass this on to the already burdened consumers.

"If the President would like to stand for the interests of the people rather than powerful business interests as she claimed in her recent SONA, she should demonstrate greater political will by putting a stop to any increase on charges for the supply of water at this time," remarked Honasan.

Relatedly, Honasan called on the government to require the concessionaires to improve their services to consumers, most of whom have yet to be satisfied with an efficient and reliable delivery of water services in their respective localities.

Honasan cited reports that in San Lazaro Hospital alone, more than 400 cases of acute diarrhea have been reported with at least five deaths caused by contaminated water supply attributed to leaks in the water pipes.