By Mario Casayuran

Senator Imee R. Marcos on Tuesday took to task water concessionaires Maynilad and Manila Water for continued water service interruptions that reduced the effectiveness of a Luzon-wide lockdown in stopping the spread of the corona virus disease (COVID-19).

Marcos, chairwoman of the Senate economic affairs committee, said water interruptions have compromised health and safety standards in Metro Manila, from personal hygiene to the proper sanitation of communities.

She said observing the most basic anti-contamination measures like frequent hand washing, bathing upon returning home, and the thorough cleaning of utensils, laundry and surfaces on which the virus may cling, has become a challenge due to water interruptions.

“Nasanay na lang tayo sa kapabayaan ng Maynilad at Manila Water. Ngayon na tag-init at bumubuwelo pa lamang ang COVID-19, parang nilalaro ng dalawang kumpanya ang kalusugan at mismong buhay natin,” Marcos said. (We are used to the negligence of Maynilad and Manila Water. The two concessionaires appear to play with the health and lives of people as summer has set in and COVID-19 is on the prowl.)

Marcos noted that it took a viral pandemic like COVID-19 to underscore the dire consequences of more than 20 years of neglect by Maynilad and Manila Water to ensure a 24-hour supply of water in Metro Manila and nearby areas based on their contract with the government.

“Marami nang problema ang taongbayan, at sana naman maging bahagi ng solusyon ang Maynilad at Manila Water laban sa COVID-19. Pero sa nangyayari, mukhang tubo lang ang inaatupag nila,” Marcos said. (We hope Maynilad and Manila Water become the solution, and not add to the myriad problems being shouldered by our countrymen.)

Marcos added that the water concessionaires should not brag about suspending meter readings and onsite billing due to the lockdown, since customers will eventually pay them anyway.

“Josko, parang may utang na loob pa ang mga customers sa Maynilad at Manila Water, e babayaran din naman nila ang kanilang nakunsumong tubig. Kung tutulong din lang sila, sana lubos-lubusin na nila at wag nang pagbayarin ang mga customers,” Marcos also said. (My God, as if the people owe Maynilad and Manila Water a debt of gratitude as they would eventually pay for the water they consume. If they really want to help, they should go all out even to the extent that consumers would not pay for the water they consume.)