Senate to probe water rate hikes

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Wednesday called for an investigation on the rate hikes implemented by Manila Water Company and Maynilad Water Services.

Trillanes filed Senate Resolution 1089 questioning the water concessionaires for implementing the water rate hikes instead of executing the water-rate reductions mandated by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) in 2013 due to the alleged illegal charges passed on to consumers.

"The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, as well as Maynilad and Manila Water, has a lot of explaining to do on this recent water rate hikes," he said.

Trillanes believes the constitutionality of the water-rate hikes seem to be questionable and they would be very insensitive to the plight of ordinary consumers who already have to face the MRT and LRT fare rate increases.

"Furthermore, the consumers were not informed beforehand, much less consulted, about the latest water rate hikes approved by the MWSS Regulatory Office, which is apparently in violation of the constitutional provisions on due process, social justice, full public disclosure, people's participation and adequate consultation requirements," Trillanes said in his resolution.

Trillanes hopes to enact legislation to protect the interest of the public with the inquiry into the water rate hikes.

Effective January 5, the Manila Water increased its cost per cubic meter by P0.36 which purportedly translates to an additional P20.26 for a household consuming about 30 cubic meters of water a month.

Maynilad, on the other hand, posted a P0.38 increase per cubic meter, supposedly amounting to about P9.15 for a consumption of 30 cubic meters of water.