THE Sangguniang Panlungsod will conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation to find out if the joint venture agreement between Pamana Water Corporation and the Dagupan City Water District was the reason behind the increased water rates now being charged to consumers today.

This was disclosed by Councilor Jose Netu Tamayo in his post on Facebook on February 4, who said the inquiry will be held via Zoom during the regular session of the SP on March 9.

Tamayo told the PUNCH that the inquiry was sought jointly by Councilors Karlos Reyna, chairman on the committee on public utilities and Michael Fernandez, majority floor leader and chairman on appropriations, due to numerous complaints received by them from water consumers affected by the higher water rate.

The joint venture agreement between Pamana and DCWD inked in August 2020 reportedly became effective January 2021.

Invited to the inquiry to be conducted via Zoom are officials of Pamana and DCWD, the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), the National Water Resources Council and other interested parties.

The Facebook post of Councilor Tamayo immediately elicited numerous reactions from netizens who confirmed the higher water rate being charged by Pamana in its latest billing statements.

One netizen, Nelson Lim, wrote: “Basic charge means that our water rate will not go down to former minimum. Wonder how they categorize slum areas, residences, gated communities, commercial resto and commercial buildings on the basic charges. Does this basic charge the same for all consumers: This will greatly affect low income families who are used to paying P318.50.”

Lim accompanied his post with screenshot of bills he received from Pamana for February amounting to P1,272.50 and the basic charge of P1,964.50 for March totaling P2,139.90 after 03/16/2021.

Reacting to Lim’s post. Freddie Glocer wrote: “They charge the consumers basic and minimum only 20 cubic meters per month and 1 cubic meter is around 5 drums  or 220 liters per drum multiply by 5 drums per cubic meter, that would sum up to 1100 liters and let us multiply that by 5 on the assumed 20 cubic meters per household and that would come up to 22,000 liters per month.”

“So, if you are alone or even if there were 2 of you in 1 household, do you think you can consume 22,000 liters a month? That is plain highway robbery.”

The only favorable comment came from one Amboy Guevara Jr. who posted. “Water rate in Dagupan is ideal right now. I hope nothing will change as far as water rate is concerned. also, Dagupan Water District is doing a good job compared to some water companies I know of”. (Leonardo Micua)

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