Suspension of water rate hike pushed

Citing the high prices of basic goods and services, Makabayan lawmakers are pushing for the immediate suspension of the implementation of the water rate hike this year for Metro Manila consumers. House Joint Resolution No. 17 urged both chambers of Congress to mandate the immediate deferment of the water rate adjustments of Manila Water Co. and Maynilad Water Services. The adjustments were approved by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System in November and will affect 40 cities and municipalities in Metro Manila and Rizal province. The two water concessionaires will be allowed to increase rates gradually over the next five years from 2023 to 2027. Manila Water rates will increase by P8.04 per cubic meter in 2023, P5 in 2024, P3.23 in 2025, P1.91 in 2026, and P1.05 in 2027. Maynilad will implement increases of P3.29 per cubic meter in 2023, P6.26 in 2024, P2.12 in 2025, P0.84 in 2026 and P0.80 in 2027.

—Julie M. Aurelio