HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MWSS RO 5TH RATE REBASING PUBLIC CONSULTATION DRIVE

WATCH: Highlights of the MWSS Regulatory Office (RO) 5th Rate Rebasing Public Consultation Drive (PCDr) held on 20 and 22 July 2022 for the West Zone, and 25 and 27 July 2022 for the East Zone

The PCDr—which was hosted by the local governments of Manila City, Parañaque City, Rizal Province, and Marikina City—became a venue for discussing Manila Water and Maynilad’s developments for the last five years (2017-2022), and their proposed Business Plans for the next five years (2023-2027). Information on these developments and plans were provided by the MWSS RO Rate Rebasing Consultants (Woodfields Consultants, Inc. and Addvalue Business Advisors, Inc.) and the two Concessionaires. Meanwhile, the MWSS RO Chief Regulator explained the objectives of the PCDr, gave a brief history of the privatization of the MWSS, and clarified the mandate and functions of the Office, especially on its 25th year of safeguarding public welfare.

On the latter part of the program, the MWSS RO Deputy Administrators led discussions on the passage of the laws granting legislative franchises to both Concessionaires, water conservation and desludging programs, and gender-related issues and concerns of stakeholders on water, sewerage, and sanitation services. The onsite and online participants were also given an opportunity to raise questions or concerns in relation to the Rate Rebasing Exercise.

The Rate Rebasing Exercise is held every five years pursuant to the Concession Agreements entered into by the MWSS with Manila Water and Maynilad. Rate Rebasing is a periodic performance review and general tariff adjustment that sets the maximum rates that the Concessionaires may charge for their services.