Maynilad seeks water rate increase starting January 2023

Water and wastewater services provider, Maynilad Water Services Inc., is seeking a thirteen-peso rate increase that will be implemented by tranche starting January 2023.

According to Raffy Tima’s report on “24 Oras”, the firm appealed for a total of P13 increase per cubic meter of water at a public consultation on rate rebasing in Caloocan City on Monday, saying that the amount collected would be used to improve its services.

Maynilad said the company has not raised its water rate in the last four years and that they need P150 billion to fund its expansion projects that will be implemented in five years.

“Ang kuryente, more than 50% nag-increase. Ang ating mga chemicals, doble o 100%. So talagang kailangang kailangan talaga namin itong kahit inflationary adjustment na willing naman sila ibigay,” said Maynilad Chief Operating Officer Randolph Estrellado.

(Power rates increased by more than 50%. Our chemicals doubled or reached 100%. So we need this, even this inflationary adjustment that they’re willing to provide.)

Maynilad proposed the following rate increase in the next five years: P3.29 in 2023; P6.26 in 2024; P2.12 in 2025, and P0.84 up to P1 from 2026 to 2027.

The  Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), for its part, said that if approved, the increase will come with a catch.

“Kailangan nila ma-improve ang service nila bago nila makuha 'yung second and succeeding tranches. So, again, no tariff adjustment except for inflation until they fix things,” MWSS Chief Regulator Atty. Patrick Lester Ty said.

(They need to improve their service before they can get the second and succeeding tranches. So, again, no tariff adjustment except for inflation until they fix things.)

Ty also said the MWSS Board will present it after the public consultations next month.

Meanwhile, apart from face-to-face consultations, the MWSS encouraged the public to share their reactions on social media.

“We're requesting the public to just tag us on Facebook and Twitter. So, pwede po tayong masama natin 'yung mga comments, feedbacks na 'yan at mga suggestions nila (We can include their comments, feedbacks, and suggestions),” said Ty.

Earlier, the Manila Water Company Inc. also asked for an additional P20 per cubic meter increase from 2023 to 2028 based on the mandatory rate rebasing. -- Sundy Locus/BAP, GMA News