MPD, Maynilad wrangle over P8-M water bill

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila Police District (MPD), which has been without water since last week, has tried to pay part of its P8-million bill but Maynilad Water Services Inc. allegedly refused to accept payment, an official said yesterday.

MPD officer-in-charge Senior Superintendent Robert Po said they tried to pay P2.5 million last Friday but they were reportedly rebuffed.

Maynilad corporate communications head Cherubim Ocampo, however, said yesterday they have yet to receive payment. She noted that the MPD promised to pay P1.7 million by the end of last year.

“The arrears date back to year 2005. Last year, we permanently disconnected one account and temporarily disconnected two accounts because of their unpaid arrears,” she said.

Ocampo said they were forced to disconnect the MPD’s last active account, which had over P1 million in unpaid bills, last May 14.  â€“ Rey Galupo, Rhodina Villanueva