Manila Water, Maynilad Implement Water Rate Hikes as New Year Begins

Water rate increases for customers of Maynilad and Manila Water took effect on January 1, 2025, following approvals by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System-Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO).

New Rates:

• Manila Water: Residential customers will now pay ₱61.04 per cubic meter, up by ₱5.95 from ₱55.08 per cubic meter in the last quarter of 2024.
• Maynilad: Residential customers will pay ₱65.62 per cubic meter, an increase of ₱7.32 from ₱58.30 per cubic meter in the same period.

The MWSS-RO approved these hikes based on the water concessionaires’ actual capital expenditures during 2023-2024.

• Manila Water spent ₱32.668 billion, achieving 81% of its capex target.
• Maynilad spent ₱47.591 billion, meeting 83% of its target.
  Chief Regulator Patrick Ty said tariff increases are permitted if water providers demonstrate reasonable spending of their capital expenditure budgets.

Other Increases Taking Effect in January:

• SSS Contribution Rates: Increased to 15%, with 10% from employers and 5% from employees.
• Household Helper Wage Hike: Approved by the National Wages and Productivity Commission, raising wages by ₱500 to ₱1,000 monthly in NCR and Northern Mindanao.

Upcoming Potential Rate Hikes:

• Electricity: Meralco may increase rates soon after the Energy Regulatory Commission allowed the National Grid Corporation to charge ₱3 billion for contracted reserve power.
• Toll Fees: Petitions for toll fee hikes are under review, potentially impacting the cost of goods transportation.

Public Concerns:
The water rate hike and possible increases in electricity and toll fees are causing concern among small business owners and consumers. “If rates go up, it will be a burden. I hope they consider us,” said eatery owner Marites Pabas.

Meanwhile, Meralco raised its power rate by ₱0.1048 per kWh in December, with typical household rates now at ₱11.9617 per kWh.