Decision on water rate hike out soon

MANILA, Philippines—Consumer advocates have expressed high hopes that the petitions of the two water utilities in Metro Manila for rate increases would be denied as regulators near a decision.

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System is reportedly coming out this week with an announcement for the new five-year cycle of rate rebasing.

Renato M. Reyes Jr., secretary general of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), said in an interview that there is strong basis to deny the proposals for rate hikes.

Manila Water Co. Inc. is proposing an increase in basic rates of P5.83 per cubic meter while Maynilad Water Services Inc. is pushing for P8.58.

Bayan is part of the wider coalition called Water for the People Network (WPN), which is opposing any price hike.