Manila Water told to explain in 5 days why it should not be penalized for water interruptions

State regulator Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) formally sent Manila Water Company Inc. a notice asking the concessionaire to explain in five days why it should not be penalized for the water interruptions experienced by its customers in the east zone.

According to a report by Sandra Aguinaldo on GMA's "24 Oras," MWSS will evaluate the explanation of Manila Water based on the terms of the concession agreement.

"I've already signed the notice for them to explain bakit hindsi sila mape-penalize based on the terms and conditions of the concession agreement," Patrick Ty, MWSS chief regulator said. 

Ty said they would study the possibility of ruling for a rebate or refund for Manila Water's customers affected by the interruptions.

"Hindi ko po sila pini-prejudge, so klaro lang na hindi ko po sasabihin na kailangan po sila mag-rebate, pinag-aaralan natin yan," Ty said.

Ty said Manila Water will be given due course to explain its side.  He added the concessionaire may also go to an arbitration body if it finds the decision of the MWSS unfavorable.

A number pf households within the east zone continue to experience zero water supply three weeks later.

"Noong una po apat na araw pong walang tubig, talaga pong akala namin apat na araw lang pero inabot pa po ng isang linggo," Jose Gillego, a customer said.

"Tuwing madaling araw nag-iigib ako sa bumbero para makauha ng tubig," he added.  

On Monday, several individuals led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan secretary general Renato Reyes filed a complaint before the MWSS.

They asked Manila Water to suspend basic charges for the customers affected by a water supply shortage earlier this month.

The water service interruption affected some 1.2 million households in the east zone of Metro Manila, serviced by Ayala-led Manila Water. 

"Unfair sa consumers na wala na ngang matinong serbisyo, pinagtitibay pa at pinapayagan pang singilin ang rate hike," Reyes said. —LDF, GMA News