Mayor Ruffy Biazon welcomed the decision of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) to penalize Maynilad Water Services, Inc. for failing to provide continuous water supply to customers in the West Zone, including Muntinlupa City.

MWSS-RO imposed a ₱54.28 million fine on Maynilad and ordered a ₱327.96 rebate for affected consumers.

Mayor Biazon said the penalty and rebate are important steps in recognizing the inconvenience and hardship experienced by residents, but stressed that these must be matched with concrete, long-term solutions.

“While this cannot undo the inconvenience experienced by our constituents, we expect that it will serve as a reminder to the water concessionaire to fulfill its obligation to deliver continuous and reliable service,” Mayor Biazon said.

He added that the development should also prompt concerned government agencies to take a closer look at the quality of water in the part of Laguna de Bay being tapped for domestic use. As one of the primary sources of water, the lake must be properly assessed to determine whether its condition is affecting water treatment and distribution, and what long-term measures are needed to address the problem.

“This should not be addressed with temporary solutions alone. We need long-term measures to ensure a sufficient, safe, and continuous water supply,” he added.

Mayor Biazon had earlier summoned Maynilad officials in March to explain the recurring water interruptions and to present concrete, reliable, and long-term solutions to the water supply problem.