East zone concessionaire Manila Water Co. Inc. on Wednesday reminded its customers to be extra vigilant against tampering and theft of their water meter.
“In the recent weeks, we have received an increased number of cases of theft and tampering of water meters in our service area and filed criminal cases against captured suspects in Quezon City and Makati City. We would like to remind everybody that meter theft and tampering are both against the law, and violators and their abettors will face detention and penalties,” said Manila Water corporate communication affairs group director Jeric Sevilla.
Section 8 of the Republic Act 8041 – National Water Crisis Act poses strict sanctions and penalties on pilferage of water meters, main lines, pipes and related or ancillary facilities; stealing of water for profit or resale; possession of stolen or tampered water meters; and the willful acceptance or tolerance of the said actions.
The company said those who would be apprehended and its accomplices could face jail time of six months to two years, while plumbers by profession and employees of water service-related companies who serve as collaborators may face imprisonment for two to six years.
If the water is stolen for profit or resale, the offender would face imprisonment from six to12 years.
Manila Water said that in case of theft or tampering of meters, customers should immediately report the incident to their respective barangay councils or assigned Manila Water senior territory manager or call the customer service hotline 1627.
First time replacement of stolen or tampered meters is free of charge, while appropriate fees will be charged for the next occurrences.
