‘Hidden hikes’ in water bills additional burden on public | Inquirer News

‘Hidden hikes’ in water bills additional burden on public

/ 05:20 AM November 16, 2018

HIGHER WATER RATES Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes has urged the public to take a closer look at their water bills this month. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

The militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) has assailed the approval by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) of “hidden increases” in the water bills of the country’s two major water suppliers—Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Co. Inc.

“This is another additional burden for consumers,” Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. said on Thursday. The water rate hike approved by the MWSS in October took effect this month.

Article continues after this advertisement

According to Reyes, Maynilad was granted a P5.73 per cubic meter rate increase spread over five years while Manila Water was granted a P6.26 per cbm rate hike also spread over five years.

FEATURED STORIES

“However, what was not fully disclosed to consumers during public consultations is that any increase in basic charges will also result in an increase in environmental and sewerage charges,” he said.

Reyes added that the “hidden increases” were not properly explained in the matrix released by MWSS. It compared only the old basic rates to the new rates but failed to explain to consumers that environmental and sewerage charges also went up as a result.

Article continues after this advertisement

Undiscussed issues

Article continues after this advertisement

“These issues were not even addressed during the so-called public consultations with consumers, as consultations were only focused on the rate rebasing,” Reyes said.

“This is an injustice to consumers, who have a right to know where their money is going and why,” he added as he urged the public to take a closer look at their November water bills to see the changes.  —DELFIN T. MALLARI JR.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: News, Philippines, water bill

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.