Cebu City Councilor Urges Waiver of Water and Power Bills for Typhoon-Affected Residents

A Cebu City councilor has proposed a measure to waive water and electricity charges for the months of November and December 2025 to assist residents recovering from the recent devastation caused by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi). The city government has declared a state of calamity following widespread power outages, home destruction, and livelihood losses, particularly in barangays such as Lusaran and Bacayan.

Councilor Pastor "Jun" Alcover Jr. filed a resolution urging Mayor Nestor Archival to negotiate with the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) and Visayan Electric Company to implement the relief program. Under the proposal, affected residents would have their bills for the specified months waived, with outstanding payments deferred and payable in six installments from January through June 2026.

Alcover emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "Immediate relief in the form of bill payment waivers or deferments will greatly ease their financial burden."

From the energy provider's side, MCWD spokesperson Minerva Gerodias reassured consumers that repair costs for damaged water infrastructure will not be transferred to them. She clarified that customers will only be charged based on actual water consumption.

The council will forward copies of the resolution to both the MCWD and Visayan Electric Company for consideration and further action, aiming to provide timely assistance to those grappling with recovery efforts in the aftermath of the typhoon.