Muntinlupa: Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon welcomed the decision of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) regulatory office to penalize Maynilad for failing to provide continuous water supply to customers in the city.

According to Philippines News Agency, the total PHP54.28 million fine or PHP328 rebate per affected customer should serve as a lesson for Maynilad as it continues to be the primary water provider in its designated service area, Biazon said in a news release. "While this cannot undo the inconvenience experienced by our constituents, we expect that it will serve as a reminder to the water concessionaire to fulfill its obligation to deliver continuous and reliable service," Biazon remarked.

He also called on concerned government agencies to look into Laguna de Bay to see if the water is fit for domestic use. The proposed water quality check at the bay, which is within Metro Manila and Rizal and Laguna provinces, is part of the long-term solutions Biazon seeks to stabilize supply in the city.

"This should not be addressed with temporary solutions alone. We need long-term measures to ensure a sufficient, safe, and continuous water supply," he added. Biazon summoned Maynilad officials in March to explain the recurring water interruptions and to present concrete, reliable, and long-term solutions to the supply problem. Maynilad caters to the West Zone of Metro Manila, which includes parts of Muntinlupa.