Water firm warns vs payment centers

Manila Water warned its consumers yesterday against unauthorized payment centers, which supposedly collect cash on its behalf .

This developed as several of the concessionaire’s customers almost got their services cut for not paying their bills.

The other day, police operatives and representatives of Manila Water, including Joel Lacsamana, director for media affairs, conducted an entrapment operation against E-Pay courier services in Visayas, Quezon City.

Lacsamana said the entrapment was made after several residents in the area complained that services should not be suspended since they have receipts showing payment of their bills.

It was learned that customers remitted their payments to E-Pay, whose parent company Expense Solution is owned by a certain Winston Galang.

Lacsamana said payments made by the customers to the said payment center have not been remitted to Manila Water, resulting in possible suspension of services to affected consumers.

During the entrapment, Manila Water personnel chanced upon Galang, who refused to go with authorities for questioning, asserting that there was nothing illegal in his business.

Police officers did not pursue an arrest since there has been no formal complaint against Galang.

Nevertheless, Manila Water decided to conduct a review of all remittances to determine the number of customers availing of E-Pay service as it prepares appropriate charges, including misrepresentation, to be filed against all illegal payment centers.

Manila Water said it is ready to provide assistance to customers who may have been victimized by unauthorized payment centers.

Manila Water strongly advised customers to pay their bills only through accredited Bayad Centers, SM outlets, RCBC and BPI branches.

Manila Water covers Metro Manila’s east zone, which includes Quezon City, Marikina, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, Pateros, San Andres and Sta. Ana in Manila, Cainta, Taytay, and Rizal.