ALREADY burdened by a spike in fuel prices, the public must brace for an impending increase in their water bill.
The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS) said on Friday water rates will go up in the second quarter, which starts in April.
The rates reflect changes in the foreign currency differential adjustment (FCDA), a tariff mechanism used by the concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad to pass on gains or losses from foreign exchange rate fluctuations on loans to customers.
Manila Water applied for an FCDA of 0.76 percent or 39 centavos per cubic meter of its 2026 Average Basic Charge of P50.70 per cubic meter.
The adjustment would mean an increase of 14 centavos, 29 centavos and 58 centavos per month for regular Manila Water customers consuming 10 cubic meters, 20 cubic meters and 30 cubic meters, respectively.
For Maynilad, the MWSS approved a tariff increase of 22 centavos per cubic meter.
Maynilad customers consuming 10 cubic meters will be charged 27 centavos more, those consuming 20 cubic meters P1 more and those consuming 30 cubic meters P2.07 more.
The increase will not affect Maynilad and Manila Water residential customers that qualify for the lifeline rate of less than 10 cubic meters.
Fuel prices, meanwhile, will continue to spiral next week.
A local oil industry source said diesel prices could soar to between P19.30 and P22.30 per liter, and gasoline between P14 and P17 per liter. There were projections for kerosene.
It will be the ninth consecutive week diesel and gasoline prices will increase.
“Fuel prices are expected to greatly increase again next as the war in the Middle East continues on. It is also possible that those increases could be greater than this week because of the continuing rise in Mean of Platts, Singapore prices and the prospect of hefty related costs already factored in,” the source said.
Malacañang met oil industry executives last Thursday to ensure a steady supply of fuel products and prevent excessive price increases amid global oil market volatility.
“This is pursuant to the directive of the President (Ferdinand Marcos Jr.) to protect our people from the impact of surging oil prices,” said Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, who led the government delegation with Energy Secretary Sharon Garin.
Recto also cited the president’s recent move to certify as urgent a bill allowing the suspension or reduction of excise taxes on petroleum products during economic emergencies.
“The President wants the bill on his desk immediately so he can sign it,” he said.
Recto said the oil executives assured the government that operational challenges in bringing fuel supplies to the country remain manageable.
“If the war in the affected region will further choke oil supply, the alternatives are already being explored, per the President’s instructions,” Recto said.
Garin directed oil companies to see to it that gas stations adjust prices in a manner that reflects real market conditions.
Any premature, excessive or unreasonable increase in fuel prices will not be tolerated and will be dealt with firmly, she said.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has begun preparations for providing fuel subsidies to thousands of public utility vehicle operators that will be affected by rising oil prices.
The move follows directives from Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, who instructed the LTFRB to ensure that the subsidy program could be implemented quickly once funds are available.
LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the agency has started coordinating with relevant government offices and completing documentary requirements to enable immediate release of subsidy funds to beneficiaries.
“Our job is to make sure there is a fast distribution system the moment the funds are available,” Mendoza said.
Under the subsidy mechanism, financial assistance will be triggered once global oil prices reach $80 per barrel. The government has earmarked around P2.5 billion for the program, which covers drivers and operators in the public transport sector.
Mendoza said the agency has finalized the list of beneficiaries and instructed regional directors to coordinate with transport groups to facilitate preparations.
“The fuel subsidy will be released as a one-time assistance package designed to offset more than a month of increases in petroleum product prices,” Mendoza added.
Lopez also confirmed that motorcycle taxi riders will be included among the beneficiaries of the P5,000 assistance program intended for individuals in crisis situations.
The aid is provided under special provisions in the 2025 national budget, which classify motorcycle taxi operators as part of ride-hailing services.
Around 60,000 motorcycle taxi riders nationwide, including those in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu, could benefit from the program. Lopez acknowledged that the final list of beneficiaries is not yet complete as some sectors are still under pilot testing.
Among the subsidy beneficiaries are the 2,500 tricycle drivers in Makati City.
Makati Mayor Nancy Binay said on Friday the assistance aims to help tricycle drivers cope with increasing fuel costs while continuing to provide daily transport services.
City officials said the subsidy rollout is scheduled on March 17 at the Makati City Hall Quadrangle.
