Water rate hike takes effect in Maynilad, Manila Water areas

The water rate hike of concessionaires Maynilad and Manila Water took effect on January 1. 

According to Sandra Aguinaldo's report on GMA's 24 Oras on Wednesday, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) approved an increase of P0.64 per cubic meter for Manila Water; and P1.48 per cubic meter for Maynilad.

The water rate hike was granted pursuant to the concession agreement between MWSS and the two water service providers which states that annual rate adjustment may be made based on inflation.

"Yung inflation na 5.7 percent ito ‘yung inflation noong July, na according to the concession agreement kung ano ‘yung inflation ng July of the previous year ‘yon ‘yung ating ikakarga na inflation at the start of the following year," Manila Water spokesperson Jeric Sevilla said.

Manila Water customers who consume 30 cubic meters per month will pay an additional P15 due to the rate increase.

Electric bills, on the other hand, may also increase because of the higher excise tax on coals and fuels which will be levied starting this year.

Meralco, however, said that its customers should not worry too much as its supply of electricity will not be heavily affected by the excise tax.

"Excise tax hindi naman ito masyadong malaki kasi mahigit sa kalahati ng sourcing namin ay nanggagaling sa natural gas plants," Meralco spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga said.

He added that electricity rates may be reduced this month because of the low generation cost in December.

Some homemakers in Metro Manila said that they are struggling to make ends meet because of costly water and electricity bills.

Sabina Calatrava said their household will just try to conserve more water to spare themselves from paying higher charges.

"Magtipid. Katulad nito, ('yung pinaglabhan) ilalagay sa balde pwedeng pambuhos sa CR. 'Yung hinugas ng bigas, tuwing umaga 'yun ang panghilamos ng mga bata," she said. —Dona Magsino/NB, GMA News