MWSS slaps P9-M penalty on Maynilad for water service interruptions

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) has slapped a penalty of P9.3 million on West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. for “prolonged” water service interruptions in its franchise area.

In a statement, MWSS chief regulator Patrick Lester Ty said they “monitored prolonged and recurring water service interruptions and water quality issues in the southern part of the West Concession Area.”

Citing the outcome of the MWSS RO’s investigation, Ty said Maynilad has breached its service obligation of ensuring uninterrupted water supply to customers in parts of Las Piñas City, Muntinlupa City and Parañaque City as well as Bacoor, Imus, Cavite, Noveleta and Rosario in Cavite. It covers the period May to June this year.

“The said the penalty will be implemented in the form of bill rebates to affected Maynilad customers by November,” said Ty, adding that details of the one-time rebate program will be fleshed out during a public information drive slated for October.

Sought for comment, Maynilad said it would abide by the MWSS-RO’s decision.

“Our ability to provide uninterrupted water service during the period was severely hampered by the unprecedented extent of the algal bloom that altered the raw water quality in Laguna Lake. Algal bloom is beyond our control, being a product of both natural and industrial causes,” said Maynilad head of corporate communications Jennifer Rufo.