Water concessionaires slammed for ‘blackmail’

A Partylist lawmaker yesterday hit Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Co. for trying to pass on to consumers the payment for the nearly P1 billion fine imposed by the Supreme Court (SC) due to their supposed failure to comply with environmental laws.

On Wednesday, the Manila Water Co. said it would impose a 780 percent water rate increase for their customers if the SC will not reverse its August ruling which charged the two water concessionaires fines of P921.46 million for each of their failure to put up sewerage systems in their service areas, in violation of Section 8 of the Clean Water Act.

Manila Water also warned that traffic should be expected since hundreds of kilometers of roads including EDSA, which are part of its east zone would have to be dug up if the SC will affirm its decision.

At a press conference, House Deputy Minority leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate slammed this, saying the two water concessionaires are trying to “blackmail” the SC so that it would reverse its earlier ruling.

“We condemn this act of blackmail of these water concessionaires. This is the height of impunity, insolence and greed,” Zarate said, adding that the water concessionaires should not pass on to consumers the payment for the fine as they were the ones who violated the law.

Zarate has called on the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System to stop the water concessionaires from pushing through with their plan to increase water rates.