By Madelaine B. Miraflor Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) is considering suspending the implementation of Manila Water Company, Inc.'s pending rate increase under the fourth rate rebasing. MWSS Logo MWSS Board of Trustees has unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2019-052, directing the MWSS Regulatory Office (MWSS RO) to study the imposition of penalties on Manila Water and suspension of increase in water rates following the water shortage that affected consumers in the east zone concession area this month. Under the fourth rate rebasing — a review of the water utilities' past performance and projection of their future cash flows — Manila Water would be allowed to implement a rate increase of about P6.22 to P6.55 per cubic meter (cu.m) to be implemented in tranches over the next four years.