Zobels take responsibility for Manila Water’s shortcomings

MANILA, Philippines — “[W]e take responsibility for our own shortcomings in the company.”

This was the public apology the Zobel brothers of the Ayala group of companies posted on Facebook on Wednesday for the water crisis in the concession area of subsidiary Manila Water Co. Inc.

The apology bears the names of Jaime Augusto, chair of the Ayala group and vice chair of Manila Water, and his brother Fernando, who serves as Manila Water chair.

Jaime Augusto said they issued the apology despite “a multitude of factors” that resulted in the supply shortage in large areas in Metro Manila and parts of Rizal province early this month.

“We recognize and understand the difficulties that all our customers are going through,” he said.

“Please be assured that Manila Water is exploring all possible options to bring back services to the high levels that we are all accustomed to.”

Waiver of charge

Jaime Augusto also echoed earlier statements by Manila Water president Ferdinand dela Cruz that the voluntary waiver of the minimum charge for all customers was intended “to help ease the inconvenience in some way.”

In the bill to be issued in April, customers will not pay the minimum charge which covers the first 10 cubic meters consumed.

Those who experienced no water at all for 24 hours in at least seven days this month—whether or not these are consecutive—will see a zero charge in their April bill.

“Again, we recognize our shortcomings in the situation,” Jaime Augusto said. “We will double our efforts to restore services to the high levels that we have had and to ensure that future shortages such as these will not be repeated.” —Ronnel W. Domingo