NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
of tijc ^*r-
•22 JUL12 A10 58
SENATE
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEM 
IN METRO MANILA AND MAJOR CITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Rainwater is one of the oldest sources of water which can provide the needed 
water supply for humanity's survival. Aside from being free, the Philippines, being a 
tropical country, has abundant rainwater supply. In fact, rainwater harvesting can be 
traced back to the 9th to 10th century.
In 2012, the State of California passed the Rainwater Capture Act, authorizing 
residential, commercial and governmental landowners to install, maintain and operate 
rain barrel systems and rainwater capture systems for specified purposes, provided 
that the systems comply with specified requirements.1
Persisting water shortage in the country means municipalities, businesses and 
private citizens alike must remain ever conscious of potable water consen/ation. 
Collecting rainwater allows for the conservation of potable water for drinking.
This bill seeks to institutionalize a rainwater harvesting system in the country 
that will supplement water supply and a contingency during water shortage or 
Interruptions.
In view of the foregoing, the prompt passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
i
MARIA LOURDES NANCY S. BINAY
1 State of California Rainwater CaDture Act of 2012.


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 342
'C'-x. 
of [;!<' jif r.;-
'22 JUL 12 fflO 58
RHCEIVED SY.
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
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AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING RAINWATER HARVESTING SYSTEM 
IN METRO MANILA AND MAJOR CITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembied:
SECTION 1. Short We. - This Act shall be known as the "Rainwater Harvesting 
Faciiity Act"
SEC 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared a policy of the State to 
maximize the use of natural resources by ensuring a mechanism that will promote, 
regulate and sustain its utilization such as rainwater. If properly managed, it can 
supplement the dwindling water supply and prevent flash flooding.
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used In this Act, the following terms shall
mean:
(a) 
"Rainwater harvesting" refers to the accumulation and deposition of 
rainwater for reuse on-site and water collected is redirected to a deep 
pit, a reservoir with percolation and provides an independent water 
supply during water restrictions and shortages or to supplement the 
main supply.
(b) 
"Rainwater harvesting system" refers to the process of collecting 
rainwater and then storing it for domestic use such as irrigation, laundry, 
flushing and with additional treatment as drinking water.
(c) 
Rainwatef is liquid water in form of droplets that have condensed 
from atmospheric water vapor and the precipitated to become heavy 
enough to fall under gravity.
(d) 
Rainwater catchment is an area where rainwater is collected.


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SEC. 4. Institutionalization. - A rainwater harvesting system is hereby 
institutionalized in metro manila and major cities in the Republic of the Philippines. 
This is to adapt and implement programs that promote sustainability and maximization 
of natural resources and In consonance with the commitment and realization by the 
Philippine government of the benefits of green technologies.
SEC. 5. Installation of Rainwater Catchment - Rainwater catchment or storage 
tanks shall be installed and constructed In all the barangays of metro manila and major 
cities in the Republic of the Philippines through a technology that uses materials that 
will not leach toxins into water under either normal or acid rain conditions and water 
storage tanks that are not susceptible to contaminants. While considering cost- 
efficiency of materials to be used, the safety of the users is pivotal.
SEC. 6. Rainwater Treatment - To ensure the quality of rainwater for drinking 
purposes, it shall undergo filtration and purification mechanism to make water potable 
and safe. A rainwater treatment device shall also be Installed in order for rainwater to 
be safe for drinking.
SEC. 7. Operation and Maintenance. - The operation and maintenance shall be 
invested upon the barangay government headed by a Chairman to ensure proper 
distribution and utilization and ensure regular cleaning and inspection of the gutters 
and down-pipes and removal of dirt, leaves and other accumulated materials. 
Additional care Is required to avoid damage and contamination by people and animals.
SEC. 8. Monitoring and Evaluation. - The Department of Interior and Local 
Government (DILG) shall conduct regular monitoring and evaluation on the safety of 
the water for domestic use.
Sec. 9. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of 
this Act shall be included in the infrastructure projects of the concerned government 
agency or agencies.
Sec. 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Public 
Works and Highways and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in 
consultation with the local chief executive and the legislative representative, shall 
formulate the guidelines to fully implement the provisions of this Act.
SEC. 11. Separability Clause. - Should any provision herein be declared 
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of this 
Act.
SEC. 12. Repealing Clause. - This Act repeals or modifies accordingly pertinent 
provisions of Sections 2,3, and 4 of Republic Act No. 6959 and any law. decree, order, 
rule, and regulation, executive order, proclamation, or other issuances or parts 
Inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly.


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Sec. 13. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
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publication in the Official Gazette or two (2) newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,