Higher water bills loom as Manila Water, Maynilad hike rates in 2026
Water consumers are set to face higher monthly bills starting January 2026, as the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) implements the next tranche of rate adjustments approved under the 2022 rate rebasing, a top official said.
In a briefing on Monday, MWSS said Manila Water customers under regular rates consuming 10 cubic meters or less per month can expect to see their bills rise by about P29.86. This will bring the estimated monthly charge to P283.71 in the first quarter of next year from P253.85 in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Lifeline users consuming 10 cubic meters or less will see a smaller increase of P4.24, with bills rising to P95.64 from P91.40.
Higher consumption brackets will see steeper hikes, with 20 cubic meters users facing an increase of about P66.25 per month and 30 cubic meters users an additional P135.22.
For Maynilad customers, the expected increases are more modest.
Regular-rate consumers using 10 cubic meters or less are expected to see a P5.06 monthly increase, while those consuming 20 cubic meters and 30 cubic meters may see their bills rise by around P19.06 and P39.40, respectively.
The MWSS said the average household, which consumes about 20 cubic meters per month, would face an increase of roughly P20 within the Maynilad concession area.
MWSS chief regulator Patrick Ty said the adjustments stem from the fourth tranche of the rate rebasing approved in 2022.
“Rate rebasing was approved way back in 2022. This was effective in 2023, 2024 and 2025. The next tranche is the fourth tranche for 2026,” Ty said.
He noted that both concessionaires have met their capital expenditure (capex) commitments, entitling them to the adjustment.
“Since Manila Water and Maynilad are able to comply with their capex spending, they are entitled to their fourth tranche,” he said, adding that MWSS would not hesitate to withhold future tranches if project targets are missed.
As of November 2025, Ty said Manila Water has spent a total of P48 billion for service continuity, accessibility, water security and environmental sustainability.
On the other hand, Maynilad has spent about P75 billion, including significant investments in water source development, operations support and nonrevenue water management.
Ty explained that Manila Water’s higher increase is largely driven by environmental charges tied to sewer coverage.
“The reason why it became a double-digit increase is because of the environmental charge, from 25 percent to 30 percent,” he said, noting that Manila Water’s sewer coverage has reached 30 percent, compared with Maynilad’s 25 percent.
“This is to encourage Manila Water and Maynilad to fast-track their sewer expansion plans,” Ty said, stressing that wastewater treatment is more costly but essential to meeting environmental standards.
He assured consumers that the additional charges are justified.
“I can assure the public that it’s worth it because all of the capex plans of the two concessionaires were achieved. There are no ghost projects,” he said.
Ty likewise noted that the investments would help secure supply next year.
“We can ensure that there will be no water crisis in 2026 because of these projects,” he said.
