MWSS: Manila Water’s P534-M fine can double

MANILA, Philippines — The P534 million fine slapped on Manila Water for service interruptions last March may be doubled if it does not resume normal operations before September, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage Services Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) said on Tuesday.

The fine was only for first tranche of water interruptions, which spans the first 15 days, according to Chief Regulator Patrick Ty.

“What if Manila Water fails to resume operations, normal operations which means 24/7 after 180 days, around August or September?  If they don’t fix this by the time of September, pwede pong mag-doble ang P534 million na rebate,”

“Pwede pong another 534 million, doble po ang penalty eh, ang rebate,” he added.

Earlier, Ty announced that severely-affected accounts will be receiving rebates of P2,197.94, which will be subtracted from their water bill starting June.  This will be deducted from bills until the whole rebated amount is consumed.

The minimum charge for the first 10 cubic meters of all Manila Water customers will also be waived for their June billing — separate of the water concessionaire’s self-imposed bill waiver in April.  (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)

READ: Manila Water waiving minimum charge in April over supply woes

READ: BREAK: MWSS fines Manila Water for supply shortage

READ: MWSS: Manila Water can’t let customers shoulder fines