Manila Water dodges questions on refund to those hit by water shortage

MANILA, Philippines —  The Manila Water Company, Inc. chief executive officer has refused to answer categorically on whether the water concessionaire was willing to give a refund to consumers affected by their water service interruptions since March 6.

“Your honor, there’s no discussion yet on that one because our focus po is on the restoration of the service,” Manila Water President Ferdinand Dela Cruz told Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, who asked if it plans to give a refund to affected consumers, during a House hearing on Monday.

When pressed by Zarate, Dela Cruz said they would just follow the procedure set by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System regulatory office.

“A part of your responsibility are you willing to refund?… Dahil malinaw na talung-talo ang consumers dito, walang tumutulong tubig, pero magbabayad pa rin sila ng minimum amount. Hindi ba talagang tubong tubig ‘yan? Hindi na tubong lugaw,” Zarate lamented.

Dela Cruz answered: “We will follow the prescribed process of the MWSS regulatory office for what has happened.” /je

READ: Manila Water CEO says ‘sorry’ for water woes