Higher water rates in effect next year

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) authorized yesterday new water rate hikes for Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Co. Inc.

The rate adjustments, which will take effect on Jan. 1 and apply to the first quarter, will raise monthly bills for Maynilad customers consuming up to 10 cubic meters by P5.06, while Manila Water users at the same level will see an increase of P29.86.

For higher consumption levels, the increases will be more pronounced. Maynilad customers using 20
cubic meters per month will pay P19.06 more, while those consuming 30 cubic meters will see their bills rise by P39.04.

Manila Water customers, meanwhile, will face a P66.25 increase at 20 cubic meters and a P135.22 hike at 30 cubic meters.

“I can reassure the public that these are worth it because the (capital expenditures) from the plans of the two concessionaires were actually achieved. They were able to accomplish these,” MWSS-RO chief regulator Patrick Lester Ty said during a press conference at the agency’s main office in Quezon City.

The Alliance of Concerned Consumers in the Philippines (ACCOP), however, expressed strong opposition to the approved hikes.

“At a time when households are facing sustained inflation and rising costs of basic goods and services, additional charges on an essential utility such as water place an unfair burden on consumers,” ACCOP convenor Ritchie Horario said in a message sent to The STAR.

Water, he said, is a fundamental necessity and that access to an affordable and reliable supply must remain a priority.
“We call on MWSS and the water concessionaires to clearly justify the basis of these increases, ensure full transparency in the rate-setting process and consider the impact on low- and middle-income families,” he said.

“We urge the government to strengthen regulatory safeguards, explore mitigating measures and ensure that consumers are not made to shoulder inefficiencies or costs that should be absorbed by the concessionaire,” he added.