Manila Water customers affected by water shortage may expect “adjustments” in their water bills

The Senate committee on public services on Tuesday, March 19, began its probe into the water shortage that affected several Manila Water customers in recent days./Meanne Corvera/Eagle News Service/

(Eagle News)—-Customers of Manila Water who were affected by the recent water shortage may expect “adjustments” in their water bills.

Ferdinand dela Cruz, president and chief executive officer of Manila Water, told the Senate panel on public services on Tuesday, March 19, he has “already given instructions to my team to explore ways to provide some relief in the water bills of your affected constituents during the period of service interruptions.”

The panel is probing the water shortage that affected Manila Water customers mostly in Metro Manila and other parts of the province.

Manila Water had attributed the problem to the declining levels of water at La Mesa dam, but the Palace noted  that both that water concessionaire and Maynilad still sourced the water they gave their customers from Angat Dam, which was “full.”

The Palace added Maynilad has not encountered water supply problems.

“What I’ve instructed my team is to explore ways to provide some relief to those affected and the easiest there is an adjustment on the water bill. We are looking at that,” Dela Cruz said.

On Monday, March 18, Dela Cruz dodged similar questions from congressmen.

“Your honor, there’s no discussion yet on that one because our focus po is on the restoration of the service,”  he had said.