Consultation and Revision Process
- At the directive of MWSS-BOT, the TWG carried out additional consultations and negotiations.
- Parties involved included the Concessionaires and the MWSS Corporate Office (MWSS-CO).
- The goal was to resolve contentious issues to reach consensus.
Transmittal of Revised IRRs
- On 6 August 2013, TWG transmitted a revised draft of the IRRs reflecting agreement between MWSS-RO, MWSS-CO, Manila Water Company, Inc. (MWCI), and Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (MWSI).
- The revised IRRs covered the following key areas:
- Disconnection and Reconnection of Water Service Connections
- Rate Classification and Billing Scheme of Small-Scale (Home-Based) Businesses
- Rate Reclassification of Places of Worship
- Billing Scheme and Rate Classification for High-Rise and Other Multiple Dwellings
- Treatment and Rate Reclassification of Domestic Customers Inside Military and Police Installations
- Additional Meter and Transfer of Connection Tapping Point
- Rate Reclassification of Certain Government Institutions
Deferral and Withdrawal of Certain Draft IRRs
- TWG deferred and withdrew the draft IRR on Administrative Fees and Charges due to lack of consensus.
Adoption and Approval Process by MWSS Regulatory Office Executive Committee
- On 7 August 2013, the Executive Committee (EXECOM) of MWSS-Regulatory Office, with quorum present, resolved:
- To adopt en toto the seven recommended IRRs by the TWG.
- To transmit the seven IRRs to the MWSS Board of Trustees for approval and conformity.
- To ensure publication of these IRRs in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation immediately after approval.
Signatories and Official Endorsements
- The resolution was signed by key officials including the Acting Chief Regulator and Directors for Administrative, Financial, Technical, and Customer Service Regulation Areas.
Key Legal Concepts and Implications
- The law establishes a structured and consultative process for crafting regulatory rules involving water service concessionaires and regulatory bodies.
- It emphasizes mutual negotiation to address contentious issues related to water service regulation.
- It prioritizes transparency by mandating publication upon approval.
- It defers regulation on administrative fees pending consensus, indicating flexibility and stakeholder participation.
- The specific IRRs address essential operational and billing classifications relevant to diverse water service customers including small businesses, places of worship, military installations, and government institutions.