CONGRESSIONAL candidate Paul Rodriguez has made water service reform a central issue in his campaign, calling out what he described as the “extortionate” overpricing of water services in Camiguin.
Speaking during a series of campaign rallies across the province, Rodriguez unveiled his nine-point legislative agenda, with water pricing reform topping the list. “Water charges are hampering businesses and burdening household users,” he said, noting that Camiguin now ranks as the second most expensive province in the country for water services.
His remarks were bolstered by a recent viral post from a Camiguin resident who shared a household water bill revealing excessive charges. Previously, under a cooperative-run system, monthly water bills averaged between Php 400 and Php 550. However, following the 2023 privatization of the island’s water system now operated by the Camiguin Water Company, similar usage now reportedly costs between Php 4,700 and Php 7,000 per month.
“It is time to put an end to the overpricing of water on the island,” Rodriguez declared. “There should be policies and regulations in place to protect consumers. Overpricing is extortion. Turning a blind eye to this issue is turning your back on your constituents.”
Rodriguez emphasized that if elected, he would push for the investigation of the water supply district in aid of legislation to ensure essential services remain accessible and affordable for all Camiguinons.
