FILE PHOTO: Senator Grace Poe in one of Senate’s virtual hearings. Screen grab / Senate PRIB file photo
MANILA, Philippines — The Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading bills seeking to grant a 25-year franchise to Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Company, Inc.
The Senate unanimously voted to approve House Bills No. 9422 and 9433, granting a franchise to Maynilad and Manila Water, respectively.
The two water concessionaires were granted concession agreements in 1997 for the delivery of water and sewerage services.
Maynilad is currently servicing the west zone of Metro Manila and Cavite while Manila Water is servicing the east zone of Metro Manila and Rizal.
“We recognize that the grant of franchise is just part of a bigger solution to the water problems in the country, and that there is still a need to tap and develop new water sources, improve water supply, distribution and sewerage systems, and further educate people on water conservation and climate change,” Senator Grace Poe, sponsor of the bill and chairperson of the Senate public services panel, earlier said.