Topic: Power, water rates soar; P1 'pan de sal' is history

[Nemesis]

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view_article.php?article_id=106317

This month alone, the price of pan de sal will increase to P2.50 and Manila Electric Co. will hike power charges by 6 centavos per kilowatt hour. Following closely is Manila Water Co. Inc. which will raise its water rates beginning Jan. 1, 2008.

For reference, the same places are selling Pan de Sal (popular bread that is great in the morning!) for 2 pesos so that is a 25% increase in prices. Independent bakeries are increasing their costs from 1 pesos to 1.50, for a 50% increase.

Ayala-owned MWCI will increase its water rates starting Jan. 1, 2008.

MWCI said it planned to increase the "average all-in tariff" to P34.04 a cubic meter from the current P20.54 a cubic meter.

A 65% increase in residential water rates! Ouch!