G.R. No. 39453; September 15, 1933
THE METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT, petitioner, vs. THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION and SABINO PADILLA, respondents.

FACTS

The Metropolitan Water District (MWD) filed a petition to review a judgment of the Public Service Commission (PSC). The PSC had amended the MWD’s rules regarding the inspection and repair of water meters. The amended rules required the MWD to test meters at the installation site before removal and after reinstallation, in the presence of the property owner or representative, and to send advance written notice via messenger for both actions. The complaint was initiated by respondent Sabino Padilla, who alleged that notices for testing and removal of meters at his wife’s properties were received after the dates specified and after the meters had already been removed.

ISSUE

Whether the Public Service Commission has the authority to amend the rules and regulations of the Metropolitan Water District regarding the inspection and repair of water meters.

RULING

No. The Supreme Court reversed the PSC’s judgment. The Court held that the Metropolitan Water District is vested with the legal power to prescribe the procedure for the inspection and repair of water meters. In the absence of evidence showing that such rules and regulations are unreasonable and unjust, the Public Service Commission has no authority to alter them. The alleged irregularities in the notice procedure (e.g., delayed receipt of notices) did not render the MWD’s rules unreasonable; such defects could be addressed through complaints to the MWD Director or the Director of Posts.

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