THE Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) is supposedly a regulatory body that monitors the contractual compliance and operational performance of its water concessionaires. The mission of its Regulatory Office (RO) is to 'ensure that the quality and level of service provided by the concessionaires meet global standards and balance the interest of the stakeholders,' which can be achieved through effective regulation.

How can the MWSS-RO regulate effectively and protect the welfare of the water consumers when it acts as the lawyer and mouthpiece of the water concessionaires?