MANILA — The government is working out on ways to ensure any water rate hike will be reasonably priced to protect the interests of the consumers, said Malacanang on Tuesday.
In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said discussions on water rate setting are ongoing.
“Isinasaalang-alang ng pamahalaan ang kapakanan ng mga mamamayan hinggil sa tamang presyo ng tubig… Sa harap ng mga iyan, ang sinusunod nating prinsipyo ay dapat na maging makatuwiran ang pagsingil,” he said.
Coloma made this assurance after the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) barred water concessionaires Maynilad and Manila Water from passing on their corporate income taxes to consumers.
He said the MWSS has its position on the right interpretation on the principle or provision in the contract with the water concessionaires, and the water rate adjustment that can be passed on to consumers.
“Mayroong mga interpretasyon na maaari pa namang ipagpaliban ‘yung pagpapatupad dahil ayon naman doon sa umiiral na kasunduan, puwedeng gumawa ng karagdagang pagsingil doon sa loob ng kabuuan ng concession period,” he added.