Maynilad, Manila Water rates to rise in Q4

By Sheldeen Joy Talavera, Reporter

CUSTOMERS of Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and Manila Water Co., Inc. will pay slightly higher water bills starting Oct. 1 after the regulator approved quarterly adjustments reflecting foreign exchange movements.

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS RO) approved an increase of P0.08 per cubic meter (cu.m.) for Manila Water and P0.24 per cu.m. for Maynilad, the agency said in a statement on Friday.

Manila Water customers in the east zone who consume 10 cu.m. or less will see their monthly bills increase by P0.34. Those consuming up to 20 cu.m. and 30 cu.m. will pay an additional P0.75 and P1.53, respectively.

Maynilad customers in the west zone who consume 10 cu.m. or less will see their bills increase by P0.67. Those consuming up to 20 cu.m. and 30 cu.m. will pay an additional P2.54 and P5.19, respectively.

The tariff increases will have a smaller impact on low-income households covered by the enhanced lifeline programs of Manila Water and Maynilad.

The adjustments were approved under the foreign currency differential adjustment (FCDA), a tariff mechanism that allows water concessionaires to recover losses or return gains arising from movements of the peso against foreign currencies.

Manila Water serves the east zone of Metro Manila, covering parts of Marikina, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, Pateros, Mandaluyong, San Juan, portions of Quezon City and Manila, and several towns in Rizal province.

Maynilad serves parts of Manila, Quezon City, and Makati, as well as Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas, and Malabon. It also supplies water to Cavite City, Bacoor, and Imus, as well as the towns of Kawit, Noveleta, and Rosario in Cavite province.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp., the majority owner of Maynilad, is one of three Philippine units of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., alongside Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT Inc.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls.