Senator Koko Pimentel lll strongly opposes the possible imposition of a 780 percent increase in water rates.
This came after Manila Water Co. has warned to pass on to consumers the heavy penalties imposed by the Supreme Court on the utility firm.
“Passing on to consumers the fines is not only unfair but also utterly baseless. Napakalaking halaga para sa ating mga kababayan ang dagdag na P26.70 per cubic meter sa kanilang water bill. Hirap na nga, papahirapan pa nila,” said Pimentel.
The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) recently issued a statement that under Manila Water’s concession agreement the utility firm cannot recover said penalties by passing it on to consumers.
“Consumers already suffered from the month-long water interruption last June.”
“Hindi naman pwede na ang publiko ang magbayad sa kanilang environmental violations. It must be noted that consumers already suffered from the month-long water interruption last June,” expressed the veteran legislator.
The seasoned lawmaker added that the private stock owners of the water concessionaires must bear the cost of their penalties, this being the nature of the business they entered into.
“Less or no profit for them this time.”
“Less or no profit for them this time. Their profits are not guaranteed by their customers. They must run their businesses professionally, ethically, and lawfully,” ended the senator.