CERA urges MCWD to reconsider rate hike

A Cebu-based consumer advocacy group is urging the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) to reconsider its proposed rate increase, warning that higher charges will be difficult to justify without clear improvements in service reliability.

- Ehda M. Dagooc

Cebu Electricity Rights Advocates (CERA) convenor Nathaniel Chua said utilities may need to adjust tariffs, but argued that consumers should not be asked to shoulder higher costs while water supply remains unstable and frequently disrupted by power-related issues.

“We should focus on strengthening the entire water-to-power connection,” Chua said in a statement.

“It is reasonable for consumers to expect noticeable improvements in water flow before heavier price charges are imposed,” he added.