(Eagle News) – A militant group asked the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to suspend or cancel Manila Water Company’s recently approved rate hike, as well as to suspend its basic water charges, because of the severe water interruptions that its customers continue to experience.
In a petition filed on Monday, March 25, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) said that Manila Water had “not been truthful to the public on the real situation of the east zone concession form the beginning of the water service interruption.”
It also pointed out that the “discussions during the rate rebasing period” regarding their concession area had not been thorough compared to the present time.
“The business plan submitted by Manila Water and approved by MWSS now appears flawed and has resulted in an unprecedented water crisis,” BAYAN petition said.
MWSS board had earlier approved an increase of 64 centavos per cubic meter for Manila Water Co. Inc. which covered an upward adjustment of P1.54 per cubic meter for inflation and a reduction of 90 centavos per cubic meter for foreign currency differential adjustment (FCDA).
“Given the open, voluntary commitment of Manila Water, the MWSS, particularly its chief regulator, cannot now say that it has no power to exact any form of restitution or compensation from Manila Water arising from the period of service interruption,” the petition read.
“It should be noted that the Manila Water, facing intense public backlash, has conceded to provide some relief in the water bills of affected customers during the periods of service interruption,” it added.
Among the reliefs the group was seeking include the general rebate for all Manila Water accounts; waiver of the P83.14 minimum charge for all Manila Water accounts which had water service interruptions and consumed 10 cubic meters or less per month; and general rebate for all accounts that will cover the average reasonable cost of foregone revenue or earnings because of contingent activities done during the service interruption.
Earlier, MWSS claimed that it would try to persuade Manila Water not to charge its customers for any water usage for the month of March, considering the severe water shortage its consumers had to deal with.
