Maynilad to stagger P5.73 per cubic meter water rate hike over four years

Maynilad Water Services, Inc. will stagger a P5.73 per cubic meter rate hike over the next four years, according to a report on Unang Balita by Susan Enriquez on Monday.

The staggered price hike was approved by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS).

MWSS Chief Regulator Patrick Lester Ty noted that the hike was delayed by 10 months and will be implemented in tranches to ease the burden on consumers.

"Gusto natin tulungan ang mga consumers para hindi masyadong mabigat dahil lahat ng bilihin ngayon dahil sa inflation tumataas," he said.

Rates will increase by P0.90 per cubic meter in October and will result in a P2.40 increase in the monthly bill of households which consume less than 10 cubic meters, while those which consume more than 20 cubic meters per month will pay P13.68 more.

A P1.95 per cubic meter increase is scheduled in 2020 and 2021, with the final adjustment of P0.93 coming in 2022.

MWSS administrator Rey Velasco said water hikes were inevitable for both Maynilad and Manila Water as their service upgrades require funding from rates adjustments.

Non-profit organization Water for the People Network took exception to the price hike as it would supposedly place undue burden on consumers.

"Kahit na sabihin nila mababa lang ang i-increase niyan, dapat makita natin gaano ka-justifiable ang bawat sentimo na ipinatak niyan," said Xandra Bisenio, Water for the People Network officer. —Rie Takumi/KG, GMA News