Water firms waiting for copy of SC order on P2-B fines

MANILA, Philippines – Both Manila Water Company Inc. and Maynilad Water Services Inc. have refrained from commenting on the latest Supreme Court (SC) decision affirming fines amounting to almost P2-billion against them.

In a text message, Manila Water spokesperson Jeric Sevilla assured that his company would address the issue once it had received a copy of the decision.

“We have yet to receive a copy of the ruling,” Sevilla told INQUIRER.net on Tuesday evening.

On the other hand, Maynilad spokesperson Jen Rufo hand said her company would file a motion for reconsideration after it had studied the SC order.

“Maynilad has not yet received a copy of the Supreme Court decision, but assuming the news is correct then we intend to file a motion for reconsideration within the allowed 15 days from receipt of the ruling,” Rufo told in a separate message to INQUIRER.net.

Earlier, SC ordered Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), Manila Water, and Maynilad to jointly pay fines for noncompliance with the Clean Water Act (Republic Act No. 9275)

This was an affirmation of a Court of Appeals (CA) ruling in 2013 that upheld an order of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Manila Water handles the water services for the east concession zone of Metro Manila and its nearby provinces, while Maynilad takes care of the west concession zone.

All three will each pay around P921.4 million. Both Manila Water and Maynilad were ordered to settle the amount 15 days from the receipt of the decision.

READ: SC imposes almost P2B fine on MWSS, Maynilad, Manila Water

/atm