Water rates will increase next year as the regulatory office of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System said on Thursday, December 12, that Maynilad and Manila Water will adjust their tariffs starting January 1, 2025.
For Manila Water, the average increase will be P7.58 per cubic meter for sewered lines and P5.95 per cubic meter for unsewered lines, such as those serving residential customers. This will raise the average tariff from P55.08 per cubic meter to P61.04.
For Maynilad, the average increase will be P8.11 per cubic meter for sewered lines and P7.32 for unsewered lines. The average tariff, currently P58.30 per cubic meter, will increase to P65.62 starting January 2025.
At a press conference in Quezon City on Thursday, December 12, MWSS-Regulatory Office Chief Regulator Patrick Ty said they had to consider the actual capital spent by the water concessionaires during 2023 and 2024.
Ty noted that Manila Water spent a total of P32.668 billion on its water and wastewater projects during the period, which represents 81% of its capital expenditure target. Meanwhile, Maynilad spent P47.591 billion, meeting 83% of its capex target for 2023-2024.
“As long as they spend a reasonable (percentage) of their capex, we will allow them to raise tariffs,” Ty said.
When asked if the rate increases are justified, Ty explained that both concessionaires have invested in various projects that improve customer service.
Despite the significant rate adjustments, Ty assured the public that there would be no water crisis in 2025, similar to the one in 2019. However, he noted that water interruptions could still occur due to emergencies and maintenance work. (TCSP)
