Meter Reader in San Juan City Jailed Over Water Meter Tampering
A meter reader in San Juan City has been sent to jail after being caught tampering with a water meter along Barangay West Crame.
The act led to incorrect water consumption records and financial loss for the water company.
According to the decision of the San Juan City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 58, the meter reader, identified as Laurel Abenoja, was caught by a barangay watchman on July 4, 2024. The tanod reportedly saw him interfering with a water meter installed at a residence along Road 1.
Experts from the water utility company later inspected the meter and found clear signs of tampering. The protective seal had been cut, allowing the meter reading to be altered. Records showed that the actual water consumption was reduced from 1,809 cubic meters to 1,795 cubic meters.
Because of this change, the customer’s water bill dropped from P3,480.71 to P2,047.71. The manipulation resulted in a loss of 1,433 pesos for the water company.
During the investigation, authorities recovered several items from the meter reader, including a screwdriver, a cut protective seal, a meter reading device, a portable printer, and an invoice receipt. These items further supported the findings of intentional tampering.
The accused denied damaging the water meter and claimed that he was only trying to adjust it to make the reading clearer. However, the court ruled that the evidence did not support his explanation.
meter reader
was found guilty of violating the National Water Crisis Act of 1995, specifically for water meter tampering. Under the law, this offense carries a penalty of six months to two years in prison.