Residents of Barangay Tumana in Marikina City may face a dry Christmas after Manila Water disconnected their supply on Thursday due to the failure of both the current and previous barangay captains to settle outstanding payments.
Tumana residents receive their water supply through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed between the barangay and Manila Water Company, Inc., dubbed “Patubig sa Tumana.”
In turn, residents pay their water bills to the barangay, which then remits payment to the utility provider.
However, Barangay Captain Akiko Centeno failed to remit the payments of residents, allowing the balance to reach ₱37,192,199.98 as of December 2, 2025.
Despite repeated demands, Barangay Tumana officials did not settle their obligation, forcing Manila Water to disconnect water service to all thirteen (13) common watering points under the agreement.
“This termination is without prejudice to any rights that may have accrued to Manila Water during the pendency of the MOA and its Supplement,” the company said.
Manila Water has given Barangay Tumana fifteen (15) days from receipt of the notice to settle the outstanding amount.
As of writing, the barangay has not made any payment agreement with Manila Water and no promissory note has been received.
