The Senate on Monday (Sep. 27) approved on the third and final reading the measure that will grant 25-year franchises to the Maynilad Water Services and Manila Water Company.
Under Senate Bill No. 9422 and 9433, the two water concessionaires’ franchises have been granted for 25 years. According to Senate Public Services Panel Chairperson Senator Grace Poe, the grant of the franchise is part of the expanded solution to the water supply problem in the Philippines.
“We recognize that the grant of franchise is just part of a bigger solution to the water problems in the country, and that there is still a need to tap and develop new water sources, improve water supply, distribution and sewerage systems, and further educate people on water conservation and climate change,” she added.
The Maynilad is currently serving the west zone of Metro Manila and Cavite while Manila Water supplies the east zone and Rizal. (PTV News)/NGS- bny