Wennie Sancho, secretary-general for Bacolod City-based watchdog group Water Watch Advocates (WWA), released a statement yesterday demanding the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa) explain the recent increases to meter repair and maintenance fees, which are scheduled to go up by P15 next month.

WWA demanded an explanation in order for the public to be “fully informed,” suggesting the discussion be done through a general assembly.

He added, if there are changes to charges due to implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, consumer should also be informed.

Baciwa recently announced increases to the said fees, which were approved by the Baciwa Board earlier this month.

Bacolod Bulk Water, Inc. (BBWI), the bulk water supplier for Baciwa, recently claimed the city utility firm has yet to pay them but vowed to continue delivery services.

Baciwa General Manager Juliana Carbon later responded to the claims saying they will only pay BBWI once they receive the recommendation to pay./DGB, WDJ