MWSS cancels Manila Water, Maynilad concession extension

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) has canceled the resolution authorizing the extension of the concessions of water service providers Manila Water Company and Maynilad Water Services Inc.

This was confirmed by MWSS Chairman Reynaldo Velasco who said the decision came after an emergency meeting last week.

Velasco said the revocation was in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s pronouncement that the previous concession agreement is disadvantageous to the government and the people.

The original agreement is set to end in 2022 but it was extended to 2037 during the time of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Yesterday, Department of Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra said the government is forming a team to draft revised water concession contracts, which will exclude terms the President considers onerous.

He said the new concession agreement will be ready before the year ends.