Top business group wants more accountability from Manila Water

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s largest business group is demanding more accountability from east zone concessionaire Manila Water Co. Inc. for its failure to manage and prevent a water shortage which has negatively impacted businesses and the economy.

“This water shortage has caused more than just inconvenience and stress to Filipinos. Apart from disrupting our daily way of life, it has also affected productivity as many people could not go to work, school, or manage their business. Many businesses had to shut down or limit operations. Services were also disrupted. The economic impact of this shortage cannot be swept under the rug,” the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said in a statement yesterday.

PCCI’s statement comes a day after the House of Representatives held an inquiry on the water supply issue.

Manila Water chief executive officer Ferdinand dela Cruz has apologized for the shortage and said he is ready to resign as he holds himself accountable for the unexpected drop in supply.

As Manila Water apologized for the water supply crisis which affected their customers, lawmakers said consumers should be compensated for the service disruptions.

Manila Water provides water and used water services to over six million people in Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Pateros, San Juan, Taguig, Marikina, most parts of Quezon City, San Andres and Sta. Ana in Manila, as well as in cities and towns in Rizal such as Angono, Antipolo, Baras, Binangonan, Cainta, Cardona, Jalajala, Morong, Pililia, Rodriguez, San Mateo, Tanay, Taytay and Teresa.

Metropolitan Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System chief regulator Patrick Ty said while the agency would determine whether a rebate would be possible, he said they could not impose fines or penalties on Manila Water as such are not provided under their charter.

“We sincerely hope that there will be some form of reckoning for this issue. It’s too important and critical to our people’s well-being and our economy,” the PCCI said.

The group said that in the future, the government must ensure there are policies in place to prevent a repeat of the problem and to identify penalties for those responsible.

“We believe that a true socially-responsible company with high corporate governance standards will be sincere in their efforts to rectify the situation and will not skirt or avoid responsibility,” it added.

The group, meanwhile, welcomed the move of the government to make water from the Angat Dam available to all affected areas.

PCCI said the move was timely and puts importance on the welfare and well-being of Filipinos.