3 Water Firms Face Probe Over Manila Supply Crisis

DENR Summons Water Concessionaires Amid Crisis

Three major water concessionaires face a government investigation after daily service interruptions affected millions of residents across Metro Manila this May 2026, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources confirmed.

Shortage Hits 5.2 Million Households

Water supply shortages have impacted at least 5.2 million households in the capital region, with some areas experiencing daily brownouts lasting up to 18 hours, according to Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System data.

Government Orders Immediate Supply Restoration

President Bongbong Marcos has directed the MWSS to coordinate with concessionaires to restore supplies within 72 hours, while Vice President Sara Duterte called for an emergency cabinet meeting to address the crisis.

Concessionaires Blame El Niño, Infrastructure Gaps

Manila Water and Maynilad attributed the shortage to the prolonged El Niño phenomenon and maintenance work at Angat Dam, their primary water source, but denied service failures.

Senate Probes Alleged Contract Violations

The Senate committee on public services will hold a hearing next week to investigate whether water firms violated their concession agreements, following consumer complaints filed by barangay associations across Metro Manila.