Senators have welcomed the decision of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) board to impose a P1.13 billion fine on Manila Water for its failure to comply with its contractual obligation to deliver steady water supply to its customers in Metro Manila and Rizal province.
Senator Koko Pimentel III described the board’s decision as a “good development” as it shows the regulator becoming strict with the concessionaire.
Pimentel, however, stressed that the penalty must be reimbursed to the customers of Manila Water.
“The penalty must be reimbursed to the customers of Manila Water.”
“That is my call to MWSS. The penalty is for the benefit of the customers of Manila Water who suffered hardship and inconvenience,” the legislator said.
Senator Win Gatchalian said the imposition of the fine is “reasonable” considering that the penalty must be “at least equal” to the damages felt by the consumers.
“So in my initial assessment, reasonable siya (it’s reasonable) but I need to look into data quite carefully. For example, ilang consumer ba ang nawalan ng tubig, gaano katagal nawalan ng tubig, ano ba yung mga negosyo na nagre-rely sa tubig na napinsala o nagkaroon ng perwisyo(how many consumers were affected by the water shortage, how long did it last, what businesses heavily relying on water were affected and were disrupted by the interruptions),” Gatchalian said.
Senator Joel Villanueva meanwhile said that while the penalty is a “welcome development”, the regulatory body must keep a close watch on the performance of its concessionaires.
“It must wield its regulatory function to keep concessionaires in line with service commitments.”
“It is not powerless. It must wield its regulatory function to keep concessionaires in line with service commitments,” Villanueva said.
The seasoned legislator said the MWSS board must also exercise foresight as a policy-setting body.
“The water crisis would not have occurred had our policymakers prepared ahead, and executed these accordingly,” the veteran lawmaker said.
