Maynilad to hike rate discounts next year

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Low-income customers of concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. will get higher discounts in their monthly water bills by next year as part of the company’s expansion of its lifeline program.

In a text message on Wednesday, Maynilad head of corporate communications Jennifer Rufo explained that final discount rates would be calculated in 2024 in time for the actual tariff adjustment.

Maynilad currently provides a 41-percent discount in the basic charge of its 320,000 regular lifeline customers, or those whose monthly consumption does not exceed 10 cubic meters. Under Maynilad’s Enhanced Lifeline Program, beneficiaries of the national government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and customers living below the poverty line as determined by the Department of Social Welfare and Development may apply and qualify for higher discounts on their water bills.

Around 60,000 low-income lifeline customers are expected to apply for higher discounts, which will be implemented starting Jan. 1, Maynilad said.

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According to Maynilad, applications will start on Nov. 13. Applicants must bring a completed application form, their latest water bill and a photocopy of their 4Ps identification card to any of the company’s business area offices. Non-4Ps beneficiaries, meanwhile, need to bring a local social welfare and development office certification, along with a photocopy of one government ID.

Maynilad currently serves customers in the west zone of the Greater Manila Area, which includes portions of Manila, Quezon City, Makati, Caloocan, Pasay, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon, as well as some areas in Cavite province. —MEG ADONIS