The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) Legal Affairs Department led by Atty. Mylene Joy Parras, OIC for Administrative and Legal Affairs, participated during the deliberations of the public hearing held by the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Oversight Committee on Legislative Franchises on Wednesday, 18 February, 2015 at the House of Representatives in Quezon City.

Joining with Atty. Parras were Atty. Kristin San Pedro, Head Technical Assistant, Office of the Chief Regulator and Atty. Crescenciano Minas, Jr., Acting Department Manager for Legal Affairs Department.

The MWSS-RO was invited by Representative Arturo Robes, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Oversight Committee on Legislative Franchises, to provide views and input on the matter covered by House Resolution No. 294, the recent developments on the arbitration cases with Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) and Manila Water Company, Inc. (Manila Water) and recent increase in water rates.

Rep. Marcelino Teodoro filed Resolution No. 294 calling for a House probe on the alleged onerous acts of Maynilad and Manila Water such as the inclusion of corporate income tax in the operating expenses as a result of the adjusted Concession Agreement granted by the MWSS-RO, allowing a higher return of equity for the two concessionaires due to the absence of a legislative franchise for the two water utilities and make necessary rectifications in the Concession Agreements to effect lowering of the water rates and protect consumers welfare.