Sen. Imee Marcos. INQUIRER.net file photo / CATHY MIRANDA
MANILA, Philippines — Continued water service interruptions in Metro Mania reduce the effectiveness of the enhanced community quarantine imposed over Luzon due to the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.
Such was the sentiment of Senator Imee Marcos as she chided water concessionaires Maynilad and Manila Water for their failure to provide 24/7 water service in all areas in the metropolis.
Marcos said the water interruptions make it difficult for people to do the most basic anti-contamination measures against COVID-19 such as frequent hand washing, bathing upon returning home and the thorough cleaning of utensils, laundry, and surfaces.
“Nasanay na lang tayo sa kapabayaan ng Maynilad at Manila Water. Ngayon na tag-init at bumubuwelo pa lamang ang COVID-19, parang nilalaro ng dalawang kumpanya ang kalusugan at mismong buhay natin,” Marcos said.
(We became used to the negligence of Maynilad and Manila Water. Now that it is dry season and the COVID-19 outbreak is still in its early stage and it appears that the two water concessionaires are playing with our health and our lives.)
“Marami nang problema ang taongbayan, at sana naman maging bahagi ng solusyon ang Maynilad at Manila Water laban sa COVID-19. Pero sa nangyayari, mukhang tubo lang ang inaatupag nila,” Marcos said.
(Our countrymen are enduring a lot of problems already, I hope Maynilad and Manila Water become part of the solution against COVID-19. But apparently, they are just mindful of their earnings.)
She added that water concessionaires should not “brag” about suspending meter readings and on-site billings due to the quarantine period since customers will eventually pay for them.
“Josko, parang may utang na loob pa ang mga customers sa Maynilad at Manila Water, e babayaran din naman nila ang kanilang nakunsumong tubig. Kung tutulong din lang sila, sana lubos-lubusin na nila at wag nang pagbayarin ang mga customers,” the senator said.
(They make it appear that customers owe Maynilad and Manila Water but people will eventually pay for the water they consumed. If they really want to help, they should not charge their customers.)