MWSS-RO approves third tranche of water rate hikes for Manila Water and Maynilad

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System's Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) has approved a third tranche of water service rate increases for Manila Water Company Inc. and Maynilad Water Services Inc., effective January 1, 2025.

At a press conference on Thursday, Chief Regulator Patrick Ty announced that the decision was based on capital expenditures made by both companies from 2023 to 2024.

Manila Water's rate will increase to P61.99 per cubic meter for sewered lines and Maynilad's rate will rise to P72.94 per cubic meter with an additional 5% environment charge, reflecting a higher increment than previously reported.

Low-income customers who consume less than 10 cubic meters of water will see a P2.87 increase to P91.40 for Manila Water and a P10.56 increase to P151.04 for Maynilad.

These rate increases are expected to add to short-term inflationary pressures, according to Jonathan L. Ravelas from Reyes Tacandong & Co., as they will likely raise household expenses and production costs for industries reliant on water.