(UPDATE) MARIKINA District 1st Rep. Marcy Teodoro raised alarm over the escalating debt of Barangay Tumana to Manila Water, which reached nearly P37.2 million, triggered on Dec. 18 a notice of disconnection of water services. Marcy said that during his term as mayor, Tumana’s debt stood at around P20 million. To prevent service interruptions, his administration had already paid P8.8 million to Manila Water, ensuring residents continued to have access to clean water. “Surprisingly, the water bill has ballooned to nearly P40 million now,” Marcy said. He noted that the sharp increase in debt over the past two years pointed to serious lapses in financial oversight and management. On Saturday, Dec. 20, current Mayor Maan Teodoro settled a P15 million partial payment to Manila Water, immediately restoring services to approximately 3,000 residents. City officials personally oversaw the reopening of 13 water gate valves in Tumana, ensuring water flow to households. Marcy criticized the local administration for failing to manage the debt for the past two years, highlighting accountability gaps that allowed the amount to swell. He called on city officials to address the issue systematically to prevent similar crises in the future. Mayor Maan pointed out that the city government would hold all officials responsible for the unpaid balance accountable, saying that the disruption posed immediate threats to public health, sanitation and the welfare of children, senior citizens and individuals with medical conditions. “No family should be deprived of this basic necessity, especially during a season meant for dignity, care and hope,” Mayor Maan said, underscoring the humanitarian impact of the water disconnection.