1 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. ____ 
Introduced by Representative Rosanna “Ria” V. Vergara 
_________________________________________________________________________ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
While our country has been blessed with ample water sources, and bountiful 
rainwater during the wet months, these remain vulnerable to wastage and are not 
properly stored to serve us during the dry months. Moreover, it appears that the 
country continues to be confronted with multi-faceted issues like the reportedly 
dismal performance of water regulatory agencies, poor or no access to clean drinking 
water in many parts of our country, rising water rates— all of which are aggravated 
by climate change. Hence, it has become imperative that our government be made 
ready and able to carry out a timely and effective response at all times. 
Thus, this proposed measure, which is anchored and principally based on the 
remarkable output of the Committees on Government Reorganization, Public Works 
and Highways, Ways and Means, and Appropriations in the 18th Congress, seeks to 
rationalize the country’s water, sewage, and sanitation resource management, 
including water rights, through the creation of the Department of Water Resources 
and the Water Regulatory Commission. Through the concerted efforts of these critical 
agencies, it is envisioned that, among others, clearer and more organized policies for 
water supply and sanitation are established and that the country’s water resources are 
developed and managed to ensure its optimal use such as in irrigation, power 
generation, industrial, agricultural and commercial use. 
At this critical juncture in our country’s history where our people are still wary 
of the pandemic and are truly burdened with the global crisis on oil and fuel, we 
cannot succumb to a water crisis as well. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this measure is earnestly requested.  
ROSANNA “RIA” V. VERGARA 
3rd District, Nueva Ecija 
August 4, 2022
4:38 pm
3226


1 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _____ 
Introduced by Representative Rosanna “Ria” V. Vergara 
AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR WATER 
1 
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF 
2 
WATER RESOURCES AND THE WATER REGULATORY COMMISSION, 
3 
DEFINING THEIR MANDATES, POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AND 
4 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
5 
6 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
7 
assembled: 
8 
9 
CHAPTER I 
10 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
11 
12 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “National Water Act”. 
13 
14 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. –Access to water is a basic human right. All water 
15 
belongs to the State which shall govern its development and utilization for the people. 
16 
17 
It is hereby declared the policy of the State to ensure the provision of safe, 
18 
adequate, affordable and sustainable water supply and improved sanitation services, 
19 
while maintaining the protection, preservation and revival of the quality of the 
20 
country’s water resources and ecological balance. 
21 
22 
In pursuit of this policy, this Act shall have the principal objective of ensuring 
23 
and accelerating universal access to water supply and sanitation services, in a 
24 
regulatory regime that encourages responsible private sector participation, and shall 
25 
foster and prioritize the establishment of infrastructure and public works that adopt 
26 
innovative solutions and international best practices to address the challenges of 
27 
climate change. Further, all water and water treatment infrastructure projects are 
28 
hereby declared as projects imbued with national interest. 
29 
30 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act: 
31 
32 
3226


2
(a) Bulk water supplier refers to any entity, natural or juridical, whether public or
1 
private, supplying or intending to supply large quantities of raw or treated
2 
water to buyers who will use these for their own consumption, such as
3 
industrial companies, or for retail distribution to consumers, such as water
4 
service providers or real estate developers managing their own distribution
5 
network.
6 
7 
(b) Environmental services refer to qualitative functions of natural non-produced
8 
assets of land, water, and air, including related ecosystems, and their biota, and
9 
which may be categorized into three basic types: (a) disposal services which
10 
reflect the functions of the natural environment as an absorptive sink for
11 
residuals; (b) productive services which reflect the economic functions of
12 
providing natural resource inputs and space for production and consumption,
13 
and (c) consumer or consumption services which provide for physiological as
14 
well as recreational and related needs of human beings.
15 
16 
(c) Flood Control refers to methods, acts and protocols to be observed in order to
17 
prevent and reduce the detrimental and catastrophic effects of flood waters
18 
which include sediment-laden or turbid flows, hyper-concentrated flows or
19 
debris flows.
20 
21 
(d) Flood Risk Management (FRM) refers to such acts of defining and determining
22 
the appropriate methods, acts and protocols aimed at preventing and reducing
23 
the risk of incurring loss of both life and property due to flood waters. Flood
24 
risk management consists of a cycle of prevention, mitigation, adaptation,
25 
preparedness and early warning, and response and recovery. The elements of
26 
FRM include: integrating land-use planning and coastal zone management into
27 
water management; adopting a holistic approach so that FRM is part of wider
28 
risk or multi-hazard management of earthquakes, landslides, storm surges;
29 
managing risk and uncertainty as a whole so it not only mitigates hydrological
30 
uncertainties but also social, economic and political uncertainties in view of the
31 
human behavior and cultural dimensions of FRM.
32 
33 
(e) Gender Equality refers to the principle asserting the equality of men and women
34 
and their right to enjoy equal conditions realizing their full human potentials
35 
to contribute to and benefit from the results of development, and with the State
36 
recognizing that all human beings are free and equal in dignity and rights.
37 
38 
(f) Infrastructure and public works refer only to wholly or primarily water-related
39 
projects and does not include projects that do not fall within the purview of the
40 
objectives, power and duties of the Department of Water Resources created
41 
under this Act.
42 
43 
(g) Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) refers to a systematic,
44 
collaborative and multi-stakeholder process, which promotes the coordinated
45 
development and management of water, land and related resources within
46 


 
3
geophysical boundaries in order to maximize the resultant economic and social 
1 
welfare in an equitable manner and without compromising the sustainability 
2 
of vital ecosystems.  
3 
 
4 
(h) Levels of water supply refer to communal sources of water described according 
5 
to location and size of the recipient human settlement as follows: 
6 
 
7 
(1) Level I or the point source) is a protected well or a developed spring with 
8 
an outlet but without any distribution system, generally adaptable to rural 
9 
and upland areas where the houses are thinly scattered, and is a facility 
10 
which usually serves an average of 15 households. 
11 
(2) Level II or the communal faucet system or stand posts is a system composed 
12 
of       a water source, a reservoir, a piped distribution network, and 
13 
communal faucets where one faucet serves 4 to 6 households and is 
14 
generally suitable for rural and urban fringe areas where houses are 
15 
clustered densely to justify a simple piped system. 
16 
(3) Level III or the waterworks system or individual house connections is a 
17 
system with a water source, a reservoir, a piped distribution network and 
18 
household taps, suitable for densely populated urban areas.  
19 
 
20 
(i) License refers to the Water Supply and/or Sanitation Services Operating 
21 
License that the Water Regulatory Commission is authorized to grant and issue 
22 
to service providers.  
23 
 
24 
(j) Licensee refers to the Service Provider to whom a license is granted or issued by 
25 
the Water Regulatory Commission. 
26 
 
27 
(k) Missionary Water Services refer to water supply or services to areas that have no 
28 
existing safe water supply and services due to geographic limitation or absence 
29 
of economic and market viability. 
30 
 
31 
(l) National Water Resources Management Plan (NWRMP) refers to a policy 
32 
document that contains a framework to guide the development and 
33 
management of all the water resources in the Philippines, the general strategies 
34 
and work to be pursued to ensure the sustainability of the resource towards 
35 
water security, and top-level direction on the utilization of existing water 
36 
resources in line with national development plans, policies, and programs in 
37 
accordance with the IWRM framework. The NWRMP shall also include a water 
38 
infrastructure development program or all waters of the country as well as 
39 
provide general guidance on how this shall be supported within an integrated 
40 
financing framework that can draw from public, private, and international 
41 
development funding sources. 
42 
 
43 
(m) 
Net Waste Load refers to the difference of the initial waste load of the 
44 
abstracted water and the waste load of the final effluent discharge of an 
45 
industry. 
46 


4
1 
(n) Regulatory Units refer to the offices established under Section 20 of this Act
2 
which issue Licenses authorizing the operation of Water Supply and Sanitation
3 
Services, and provide, review, determine, fix, and approve water and sewerage
4 
tariffs, rates and charges that Licensees may impose
5 
6 
(o) River basin refers to an area of land drained by a stream or body of fixed water
7 
and its tributaries which have a common outlet for surface run-off
8 
9 
(p) River Basin Organization (RBO) refers to multi-stakeholder organizations which
10 
plan, coordinate and monitor activities within a river basin cluster.
11 
12 
(q) Sanitation refers to the provision of facilities and services for the safe
13 
management of human excreta, from toilet to containment, and storage and
14 
treatment onsite or conveyance, treatment and eventual safe end use or
15 
disposal, and includes the safe management of solid waste and animal waste
16 
17 
(r) Sediment management refers to control of sediment erosion and deposition in
18 
rivers, reservoirs and coastal zones through non-structural and structural
19 
measures and control works.
20 
21 
(s) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also known as the 17 Global Goals refer to
22 
the universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that
23 
all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030 adopted by all United Nations
24 
Member States in 2015.
25 
26 
(t) Septage is the liquid and solid material pumped from a septic tank, cesspool, or
27 
other primary treatment source
28 
29 
(u) Septage Management refers to the provision of proper collection, treatment and
30 
disposal of septage.
31 
32 
(v) Service Area refers to the area covered by the water distribution system,
33 
sewerage and/or septage management services.
34 
35 
(w)Service Provider refers to any entity, natural or juridical, whether private or
36 
public, providing or intending to provide levels II & III water supply,
37 
including bulk water suppliers, sewerage, septage treatment, and disposal
38 
services for domestic, residential, industrial or commercial use.
39 
40 
(x) Sewage refers to water borne human or animal wastes, excluding oil or oil
41 
waste, removed from residences, buildings, institutions, and industrial and
42 
commercial establishments together with such groundwater, surface water and
43 
storm waters as may be present including such waste from vessels, offshore
44 
structures, other receptacles intended to receive or retain waste or other places
45 
or the combination thereof.
46 


 
5
 
1 
(y) Sewerage refers to any system or network of pipelines, ditches, channels or 
2 
conduits including pumping stations, lift stations and force mains, service 
3 
connections including other infrastructure, devices or appliances appurtenant 
4 
thereto, which includes the collection, transport, pumping and treatment of 
5 
sewage to a point of disposal. 
6 
 
7 
(z) Sewers refer to pipes or such other works or structures which are built and 
8 
constructed to carry, transport and dispose sewage. 
9 
 
10 
(aa) Social inclusion refers to the process of improving the terms for disadvantaged 
11 
individuals and groups to take part in society.  
12 
 
13 
(bb) Tariffs refer to such amounts which may be charged by licensees for their 
14 
water supply and sanitation services based on principles, standards and 
15 
guidelines established by the Department of Water Resources. 
16 
 
17 
(cc) Water Demand Management (WDM) refers to any method whether technical, 
18 
economic, administrative, financial, or social that will accomplish one or more 
19 
of the following: 
20 
(1) Reduce the quantity or quality of water required to accomplish a specific 
21 
task; 
22 
(2) Adjust the nature of the task or the way it is undertaken so that it can be 
23 
accomplished with less water or with lower quality water; 
24 
(3) Reduce the loss in quantity or quality of water as it flows from source 
25 
through use to disposal; 
26 
(4) Shift the timing of use from peak to off-peak periods; and 
27 
(5) Increase the ability of the water system to continue to serve society during 
28 
times when water is in short supply. 
29 
 
30 
(dd) Water Districts refer to government-owned and controlled corporations 
31 
organized under Presidential Decree No. 198, as amended, created primarily to 
32 
acquire, install, operate, maintain and improve water supply and distribution 
33 
systems for domestic, industrial and municipal uses of residents and to 
34 
provide, maintain and operate waste water collection, treatment and disposal 
35 
facilities within the boundaries of the district. 
36 
 
37 
(ee) Water pollution refers to any alteration of the physical, chemical, biological or 
38 
radiological properties of a body of water resulting in the impairment of its 
39 
purity or quality. 
40 
 
41 
(ff) Water Resource refers to water under the ground or groundwater, water above 
42 
the ground such as surface water, run-offs, floods, stormwater and urban 
43 
drainage, and treated wastewater, water in the atmosphere or rain water, and 
44 
the waters of the sea within the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines. 
45 
 
46 


 
6
(gg) Water Resources Regions refer to the contiguous clusters of river basins which 
1 
are grouped together according to the hydrological boundaries, physiographic 
2 
features and homogeneity in climate, whether or not they straddle different 
3 
local government units, for administrative purposes under the Department of 
4 
Water Resources. 
5 
 
6 
(hh) Water Service Provider (WSP) refers to the water district, any Local 
7 
Government Unit (LGU)-run water utility, Barangay Waterworks and 
8 
Sanitation Association (BWSA), Rural Waterworks Sanitation Association 
9 
(RWSA), cooperative and private sector entity that provides water supply 
10 
services to any given area.  
11 
 
12 
(ii) Water supply service refers to any activity comprising Levels I, II and III water 
13 
supply including bulk suppliers, suppliers to subdivisions and other water 
14 
service providers. 
15 
 
16 
 
17 
CHAPTER II 
18 
THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES 
19 
 
20 
SEC. 4. The Department of Water Resources – There is hereby created and 
21 
established the Department of Water Resources hereinafter referred to as the 
22 
Department. 
23 
 
24 
SEC. 5. Mandate of the Department. –The Department shall be the primary 
25 
agency responsible for the comprehensive and integrated identification and mapping 
26 
of all water resources, planning, policy formulation, and management of the 
27 
ownership, appropriation, utilization, exploitation, development, and protection of 
28 
water resources in the Philippines to ensure the optimal use thereof for domestic and 
29 
municipal water supply, sanitation, irrigation, hydropower, industry, navigation, 
30 
flood management, recreation except fisheries or aquaculture. 
31 
 
32 
The Department shall also be the primary agency responsible for the planning 
33 
and policy formulation towards the attainment of universal access to safe, adequate, 
34 
affordable, and sustainable water supply, and improved sanitation services for all 
35 
Filipinos. 
36 
 
37 
The Department shall be the primary national agency to implement 
38 
Presidential Decree No. 1067 otherwise known as The Water Code of the Philippines and 
39 
Republic Act No. 9275, otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004. 
40 
 
41 
The Department shall exercise the powers and functions of the defunct Pasig 
42 
River Rehabilitation Commission created under Executive Order No. 54, series of 1999 
43 
and abolished under Executive Order No. 93, series of 2019, specifically the following 
44 
roles that were transferred to the Manila Bay Task Force and DENR through the latter 
45 
EO: 
46 


 
7
 
1 
(a) Update and take the lead in the overall implementation of the Pasig River 
2 
Rehabilitation Master Plan, which shall harness the Pasig River’s potential 
3 
for transportation, recreation and tourism purposes while undertaking the 
4 
rehabilitation and restoration of its maritime life; and 
5 
 
6 
(b) Ensure that the easements provided for in the Civil Code and other relevant 
7 
laws are enforced, especially in all the esteros and waterways that drain into 
8 
the Pasig River as well as abate the dumping of untreated industrial 
9 
wastewater and sewerage into the river, including all acts an omissions in 
10 
violation of Presidential Decree (PD) No. 984, s.1976, as amended entitled, 
11 
Providing For The Revision Of Republic Act No. 3931, Commonly Known As The 
12 
Pollution Control Law, And For Other Purposes, PD No. 274, s. 1973 entitled, 
13 
Pertaining To The Preservation, Beautification, Improvement And Gainful 
14 
Utilization Of The Pasig River, Providing For The Regulation And Control Of 
15 
Pollution Of The River And Its Banks In Order To Enhance Its Development, 
16 
Thereby Maximizing Its Utilization For Socio-Economic Purposes, and other 
17 
related laws.  
18 
 
19 
SEC. 6. Guiding Principles. –In the pursuit of its mandate, the Department shall 
20 
be guided by the following key principles: 
21 
 
22 
(a) The concept of good water governance for water security and sufficiency shall 
23 
be adopted across all levels of governance by stakeholders such as the national 
24 
government, local government, non-government organizations, private 
25 
organizations, individuals, even global societal actors, and in various sectors 
26 
such as water supply, irrigation, fisheries, hydropower, navigation, ecosystem 
27 
services, flood management, climate change, and recreation. It shall entail 
28 
publicly transparent, socially accountable and multi-stakeholder participatory 
29 
water policy, planning, management and decision-making processes. 
30 
 
31 
(b) Access to safe water supply and improved sanitation is a human right that 
32 
needs to be fulfilled and protected. 
33 
 
34 
(c) IWRM shall be adopted as the basic framework which is the coordinated 
35 
development and management of water, land and related resources within 
36 
hydrological boundaries, to optimize economic and social welfare, without 
37 
compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems. The IWRM Framework 
38 
shall include an enabling environment that utilizes proper policies, legal 
39 
instruments, and institutional frameworks for effective implementation, 
40 
participatory and collaborative water policy and management decisions, and 
41 
management instruments for efficient use of updated and accurate data, 
42 
science-based decision support systems, proper information, education, 
43 
communication (IEC) programs, assessment and allocations tools, or 
44 
regulatory functions. It shall observe the mutual accountability mechanism 
45 
among stakeholder at the national, regional, and global levels reinforcing 
46 


 
8
multi-stakeholder decision-making following a framework with specific, 
1 
measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely actions. 
2 
 
3 
(d) Each river basin has its unique characteristics relating to the physical, socio 
4 
cultural and other aspects, and water management should be performed at 
5 
river-basin level, involving all the stakeholders at that particular river basin.  
6 
 
7 
(e) Integrated and accurate data collection and analysis and the use of scientific 
8 
decision support systems shall be undertaken in water resources management 
9 
including flood modeling and warning systems that are essential for an 
10 
effective, efficient and sustainable water resources management system. 
11 
 
12 
(f) The development of water resources shall include strategies for the mitigation 
13 
of water-related hazards and climate change adaptation. 
14 
 
15 
(g) Water resources and services should be provided where they are intended and 
16 
most needed to that water is fairly and sustainably managed. 
17 
 
18 
(h) The proper operation and maintenance of waterworks systems resulting in the 
19 
uninterrupted and adequate supply and distribution of potable water for 
20 
domestic and other purposes, and the proper operation and maintenance of 
21 
sewerage systems which are essential services to public health and safety, are 
22 
to be ensured at all times. The State shall therefore supervise and control the 
23 
establishment, operation, and maintenance of such systems.  
24 
 
25 
  
26 
SEC 7. Objectives of the Department. – The Department shall: 
27 
 
28 
(a) Promote and adopt water demand management as a national policy to ensure 
29 
that water is optimized, that water efficiency and conservation become a way 
30 
of life, that the recycling and reuse of water and treated wastewater are widely 
31 
practiced, that water is properly priced to encourage efficient use and 
32 
conservation and that rainwater, flood waters, and run-offs are captured or 
33 
harvested, stored and treated for future use;  
34 
 
35 
(b) Prioritize and seek the immediate attainment of universal access to safe, 
36 
adequate, affordable and sustainable water supply and improved sanitation 
37 
services for all Filipinos in a manner consistent with the protection, 
38 
preservation, and revival of the quality of the country’s water resources, and to 
39 
adopt all needed measures to advance the right of the people to a balanced and 
40 
healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. 
41 
  
42 
(c) Strengthen and coordinate integrated water resources management planning 
43 
and policy making to ensure sustainable and fair allocation and efficient use of 
44 
water resources among competing uses and users; 
45 
 
46 


 
9
(d) Ensure that integrated water resources management is strongly coordinated 
1 
with land use and coastal and multi-hazard planning and management; 
2 
 
3 
(e) Develop sustainably, and manage water sources toward water security taking 
4 
into consideration water, land, and related resources aimed at increasing water 
5 
dependability for different uses, optimizing economic benefits and social 
6 
welfare without compromising the sustainability of vital environmental 
7 
systems; 
8 
 
9 
(f) Strengthen and coordinate policy making and planning towards ensuring the 
10 
availability of water for food security and energy security, as well as towards 
11 
protection of communities and environments against flood and other water 
12 
induced hazards including sediment hazards;  
13 
 
14 
(g) Ensure that the strategy for water resources development and conservation is 
15 
participatory, and that planners, policymakers and users including community 
16 
members are involved at all levels; 
17 
 
18 
(h) Develop a standardized pricing framework for water use that accounts for 
19 
environmental externalities; and 
20 
 
21 
(i) Ensure that all sources of water, including surface water, groundwater, 
22 
rainwater and floodwater, are identified, mapped, monitored, conserved and 
23 
managed for productive use and the resulting wastewater is managed properly 
24 
and reused and responsibly disposed of following approved environmental 
25 
standards. 
26 
 
27 
SEC. 8. Powers and Functions of the Department. – The Department shall have the 
28 
following powers and functions: 
29 
 
30 
I. Policymaking and Planning 
31 
 
32 
(a) Ensure that Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is adopted as 
33 
the strategic framework for water management policymaking and planning in 
34 
the country and coordinate the implementation, promotion, revision and 
35 
enhancement of IWRM plans;  
36 
 
37 
(b) Formulate policies, strategies, and targets in coordination with other relevant 
38 
entities to meet the goals and objectives for water supply and sanitation, water 
39 
quality, irrigation, hydropower, flood control, stormwater, and urban 
40 
drainage. Such policies shall, among other guidelines, integrate the issues of 
41 
water and sanitation, food security, energy, environment, flood control and 
42 
climate change; 
43 
 
44 


 
10 
(c) Formulate and develop policies to promote universal access to safe, adequate, 
1 
affordable, and sustainable water supply, and improved sanitation services for 
2 
all Filipinos; 
3 
 
4 
(d) Regularly update, every five (5) years or as deemed necessary by the 
5 
Department, and in consultation with other agencies and stakeholders, the 
6 
NWRMP following the IWRM framework, including the review and integrate 
7 
therein a national land use plan; 
8 
 
9 
(e) Undertake river basin survey, inventory and appraisal of water and related 
10 
resources and develop comprehensive basin-wide plans of storage, retardation 
11 
and control to maximize conservation and multipurpose use of water in the 
12 
basin; 
13 
 
14 
(f) Conduct continuing hydrologic and hydrometeorological surveys and studies 
15 
of the country’s renewable water supply, and establish,  operate  and  maintain  
16 
observation  station  networks  with  a view towards  formulating  long-term  
17 
policies  to  balance  the  sustainability  and  optimal multiple use of water 
18 
resources, defining the hydrologic boundaries of basins of the existing water 
19 
supply sources and developing or updating and implementing countrywide 
20 
comprehensive basin-wide master plans; 
21 
 
22 
(g) Strengthen and coordinate policy making and planning for flood management, 
23 
integrated with stormwater or urban drainage and appropriate retention or 
24 
retarding basins in order to harvest and reuse water, and to plan against, 
25 
prevent, and minimize the detrimental and catastrophic effects of flooding; 
26 
 
27 
(h) Assist and provide the National Economic and Development Authority 
28 
(NEDA) with the required data and input from the water sector in the 
29 
formulation of the country’s short-term and long-term strategic development 
30 
plans and actions, and recommend to the NEDA Board the adoption of general 
31 
policies and guidelines for water resources development; 
32 
 
33 
(i) Review, approve and provide oversight over all water-related development 
34 
plans and programs of any agency within the context of the NWRMP, and 
35 
overall national plans and program; 
36 
 
37 
(j) Develop and implement, in coordination with other relevant agencies, effective 
38 
codes, standards, benchmarks, and reasonable guidelines to ensure the safety 
39 
of all public, and private water structures in the country, and assure efficiency 
40 
and proper quality in the construction of water, sanitation, irrigation, 
41 
hydropower, flood control and drainage infrastructure; 
42 
 
43 
(k) Ensure that gender equality, social inclusion, environmental protection, climate 
44 
resiliency and disaster risk reduction are integrated into any water resources 
45 


 
11 
management planning, policy making, and the design and construction of 
1 
water infrastructure; 
2 
 
3 
(l) Ensure that the planning and design of water infrastructure considers the 
4 
highest efficiency and most appropriate technology and quality, in accordance 
5 
with national development objectives; 
6 
 
7 
(m) 
Review existing guidelines appropriate for private sector participation in the 
8 
water sector and submit recommendations to the Public-Private Partnership 
9 
(PPP) Center of NEDA and other concerned agencies to promote and enable 
10 
more PPPs in the sector; 
11 
 
12 
(n) Build a central repository of water data and effect inter-sectoral, inter-agency, 
13 
and inter-departmental coordination on all aspects of data gathering and 
14 
management for water resources development planning and compel the 
15 
submission of statistics and data on water utilization with the aim of 
16 
operationalizing the integrated approach to water resources management; 
17 
 
18 
(o) Ensure the effective implementation of all the provisions of Republic Act No. 
19 
9275, Presidential Decree No. 1067, and Sections 9, 10, 11, 12, & 13, Chapter II 
20 
of Presidential Decree No. 856, otherwise known as the Code on Sanitation of the 
21 
Philippines;  
22 
 
23 
(p) Promote Philippine participation in information sharing and education on best 
24 
practices in support of international efforts to achieve universal access to safe 
25 
water and improved sanitation; and the integration of water, energy, 
26 
environment and food security; and 
27 
 
28 
(q) Issue and promulgate rules, regulations and guidelines as may be necessary to 
29 
implement and enforce its powers and functions under this Act;  
30 
 
31 
 
32 
II. Resource Regulation 
33 
 
34 
(a) Manage and conserve the country’s water resources to ensure the optimal use 
35 
thereof for domestic water supply, sanitation, irrigation, hydropower, 
36 
navigation, flood control, and recreation purposes, and enhance and maintain 
37 
water quality, conserve watersheds, control water pollution, and restore the 
38 
environment, without compromising the natural ecosystem functions and 
39 
services; 
40 
 
41 
(b) Regulate and control the utilization, abstraction, diversion and development of 
42 
water resources, taking in consideration its equitable distribution among 
43 
competing demands and determine the standards of beneficial and priority 
44 
uses of water in times of crisis and national emergencies; 
45 
 
46 


 
12 
(c) Formulate, promulgate and enforce rules and regulations for the development 
1 
and optimum use of water resources and its administration and management, 
2 
including coherent water protocols, operating rules of all existing and future 
3 
water infrastructure; general criteria, methods and standards for basic data 
4 
collection and project identification, formulation and planning, and 
5 
appropriate sanctions to be imposed for non-compliance; 
6 
 
7 
(d) Regularly review regulations prescribed by any government agency pertaining 
8 
to water use, exploitation, development, conservation or protection of waters, 
9 
water resources, and watershed or basin areas with respect to this Act; 
10 
 
11 
(e) Impose fees or charges, as may be deemed necessary for water resources 
12 
conservation and protection, such as: 
13 
i. 
Polluter’s Fee, which shall be based on the net waste load depending on 
14 
the wastewater charge formula pursuant to Republic Act No. 9275; 
15 
ii. 
Raw water price, which shall take into account, among others, the 
16 
scarcity of water; and 
17 
iii. 
Appropriate payment structures for environmental services: 
18 
 
19 
(f) Deputize LGUs to collect the national fees or charges for resource regulation 
20 
within their respective jurisdiction; 
21 
 
22 
(g) Collect, regularly update, monitor and analyze water resources data including 
23 
climatology, hydrologic and other water-related data and ensure that such data 
24 
is easily accessible by relevant and authorized users; 
25 
 
26 
(h) Establish, operate and maintain observation station networks and centralized 
27 
water resources data center for the scientific survey and appraisal of surface 
28 
and groundwater potentials of the country, and determine the annual 
29 
renewable water available per water resources region; 
30 
 
31 
(i) Maintain a database that will contain updated relevant information on water 
32 
data which will be accessible by relevant and authorized users; 
33 
 
34 
(j) Develop and continuously update a computerized decision support system 
35 
that incorporates data management system relating to acquisition and 
36 
database, model base in terms of physical, design, planning and decision 
37 
models, and user-friendly interface concerning graphical and visualization 
38 
tools;  
39 
 
40 
(k) Conduct and/or promote special studies and researches on water economics 
41 
and other water resources development and management issues and concerns 
42 
such as climate change, weather modification, flood monitoring and modeling, 
43 
environmental quality, desalination; and 
44 
 
45 


 
13 
(l) Raise public awareness through information, education and communications 
1 
programs, and build capacities for informed participation in water resources 
2 
management at the national and river-basin level. 
3 
 
4 
III. Institutional Arrangement with Public Water Organizations  
5 
 
6 
(a) Develop guidelines including rules of partnership among the Department, field 
7 
offices of national government agencies, LGUs and other stakeholders in water 
8 
resource management, and facilitate the establishment of multi-stakeholder 
9 
river basin organizations (RBOs) per river basin, and strengthen and support 
10 
existing RBOs and monitor their activities; 
11 
 
12 
(b) Develop materials for capacity building and training of prospective RBOs; 
13 
 
14 
(c) Authorize its representatives or any deputized agent to enter any property of 
15 
public dominion with or without prior notice or consent, any private land, 
16 
building or enclave, whether inhabited or not, for the purpose of conducting 
17 
hydrologic surveys and investigations, including assessing and evaluating the 
18 
conditions of water facilities installed, and determining compliance with water 
19 
laws and standards; 
20 
 
21 
(d) Provide technical assistance to water users including farmers, communities, 
22 
and LGUs and other water service providers (WSP) whether directly or in 
23 
coordination with other agencies on all aspects of integrated water resources 
24 
management;  
25 
 
26 
(e) Respond to consumer complaints, and ensure the adequate promotion of 
27 
consumer interests; 
28 
 
29 
(f) Deputize agents, whether from the public or private sector, to assist in the 
30 
performance of any of the powers and functions of the Department; 
31 
 
32 
(g) Appoint, hire and maintain adequate staff and personnel, advisers or 
33 
consultants with suitable qualifications and experience, as necessary, subject to 
34 
existing rules and regulations. 
35 
 
36 
IV. Coordination 
37 
 
38 
(a) Coordinate and integrate water resources development activities of the country 
39 
within the context of national plans and policies for social and economic 
40 
development; 
41 
 
42 
(b) Coordinate with other government agencies, universities and private 
43 
professional groups for all aspects of data gathering, the conduct of special 
44 
studies and research on all related aspects of water resources management and 
45 
development such as climate change, environmental quality, desalination, and 
46 


 
14 
the development of operating strategies, procedures, and protocols and 
1 
accompanying computerized decision tools for major water facilities;  
2 
  
3 
(c) Coordinate with the concerned and relevant agencies engaged in flood control, 
4 
flood risk management and drought risk management; and 
5 
 
6 
(d) Coordinate proactively with LGUs to ensure the integration of water resources 
7 
development plans into their comprehensive land use plans (CLUPs), 
8 
Comprehensive Development Plans (CDPs) or Provincial Physical Framework 
9 
and Development Plan (PPFDP).  
10 
 
11 
 
12 
V. Other Functions 
13 
 
14 
(a) Create, when necessary, water resource subsidiaries, instrumentalities, and 
15 
entities to engage in water transmission, water distribution, waste water 
16 
treatment and management, and sanitation in accordance with existing 
17 
relevant laws; 
18 
(b) Enter into contracts, joint venture agreements or understanding, public-private 
19 
partnerships, and memoranda of agreement or understanding, either domestic 
20 
or foreign, relating to investment and financing water-related projects, under 
21 
such terms and conditions as the Department may deem proper and reasonable 
22 
subject to existing laws; 
23 
(c) Exercise such other powers and functions necessary or incidental to the 
24 
effective administration and management of the country’s water resources. 
25 
 
26 
 
27 
SEC. 9. Secretary of the Department of Water Resources. – The authority and 
28 
responsibility for the exercise of the mandate of the Department and for the discharge 
29 
of its powers and functions shall be vested in the Secretary of the Department, 
30 
hereinafter referred to as the Secretary, who shall: 
31 
 
32 
(a) Advise the President on the promulgation of executive or administrative 
33 
orders, regulations, proclamations and other issuances relative to matters 
34 
under the jurisdiction of the Department; 
35 
 
36 
(b) Establish the policies and standards for the operation of the Department 
37 
pursuant to the President’s guidelines; 
38 
 
39 
(c) Promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the objectives, policies 
40 
and functions of the Department; 
41 
 
42 
(d) Exercise supervision and control over all bureaus and offices under the 
43 
Department;  
44 
 
45 
(e) Supervise all attached agencies and corporations in accordance with law; 
46 


 
15 
 
1 
(f) Represent the Department in contracts, awards, and other similar agreements;  
2 
 
3 
(g) Delegate authority for the performance of any power or function, as defined 
4 
herein to officials and employees under his direction as deemed appropriate;  
5 
 
6 
(h) Act as the Chairperson of the governing board of the attached agencies of the 
7 
Department; 
8 
 
9 
(i) Designate and appoint officer and employees of the Department, excluding the 
10 
Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, and Regional and Assistant Regional 
11 
Directors, in accordance with the civil service laws, rules and regulations; and 
12 
 
13 
(j) Perform such other duties and responsibilities as may be provided by law.  
14 
 
15 
 
16 
SEC. 10. Office of the Secretary. – The Office of the Secretary shall be composed 
17 
of the Secretary, Undersecretary, Assistant Secretary and the immediate staff of the 
18 
Secretary.  
19 
 
20 
SEC. 11. Undersecretaries. – The Secretary shall be assisted by not more than five 
21 
(5) Undersecretaries, who shall be appointed by the President upon the 
22 
recommendation of the Secretary namely: Undersecretary for Resource Regulation 
23 
and Governance, Undersecretary for Inland Waters and Water for Agriculture, 
24 
Undersecretary for Resource Development, Undersecretary for Planning and Policy, 
25 
and Undersecretary for Missionary Water and Special Concerns. 
26 
. 
27 
The Secretary is hereby authorized to delineate and assign the respective 
28 
functional areas of responsibility of the Undersecretaries in accordance with the 
29 
mandate and objectives of the Department: Provided, That no undersecretary shall be 
30 
assigned primarily to administrative responsibilities. Within his functional areas of 
31 
responsibility, the Undersecretary shall: 
32 
 
33 
(a) Advise and assist the Secretary in the formulation and implementation of the 
34 
policies, plans, programs and projects of the Department; 
35 
 
36 
(b) Supervise all the operational activities of the assigned units for which the 
37 
Undersecretary is responsible to the Secretary; and 
38 
 
39 
(c) Perform such other functions deemed necessary as may be assigned or 
40 
delegated by the Secretary to promote efficiency and effectiveness in the 
41 
delivery of public services or as may be required by law:  Provided, That the 
42 
Undersecretary for Planning and Policy shall be primarily responsible, in 
43 
coordination with the Planning and Policy Service, for advancing current 
44 
efforts in attaining the ultimate goal of universal access to water supply and 
45 


 
16 
sanitation systems, and sustainable management of water resources under the 
1 
SDGs, and the integration of water, energy, environment and food security. 
2 
 
3 
 
SEC. 12. Assistant Secretaries. – The Secretary shall be assisted by six (6) 
4 
Assistant Secretaries to be appointed by the President of the Philippines upon the 
5 
recommendation of the Secretary: one each for Planning and Policy Service, Decision 
6 
Support System Service, Resource Regulatory Service, Comptrollership and Financial 
7 
Management Service, Legal and Legislative Service, and Administrative and Human 
8 
Resources Management Service. 
9 
 
10 
No person shall be appointed Secretary, Undersecretary and Assistant 
11 
Secretary of the Department unless such person is a citizen and resident of the 
12 
Philippines, of good moral character, of proven integrity, competence and expertise 
13 
in water resource management: Provided, That at least one (1) of the Undersecretaries 
14 
and at least two (2) of the Assistant Secretaries shall be career officers. 
15 
 
16 
SEC. 13. Organizational Structure. – The Department shall be composed of the 
17 
following organizational units: 
18 
 
19 
(a) Department Proper. – The Department shall consist of the Office of the Secretary, 
20 
the Offices of the Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, the Internal Audit 
21 
Office, the Public Affairs Office, the Water Pollution Adjudication Board, the 
22 
Planning and Policy Service, Decision Support System Service, Administrative 
23 
and Human Resources Service, Legal and Legislative Service, Comptrollership 
24 
and Financial Management Service, Resource Regulation Service, and the 
25 
Water Resources Regional Offices. 
26 
 
27 
(b) Attached Agencies. – The Department shall exercise administrative supervision 
28 
over the following agencies for purposes of policy and program coordination, 
29 
monitoring, and evaluation: 
30 
 
31 
1) The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), whose mandate, powers 
32 
and functions are defined in Presidential Decree No. 198, as amended 
33 
otherwise known as the Public Water Utilities Act of 1973, shall be transferred 
34 
from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and attached 
35 
to the Department. It shall continue to be primarily function as a specialized 
36 
lending institution for the promotion, development and financing of local 
37 
water utilities. In the implementation of its functions, the LWUA shall: 
38 
i. prescribe minimum standards and regulations in order to assure 
39 
acceptable 
standards 
of 
construction 
materials 
and 
supplies, 
40 
maintenance, operation, personnel training, accounting and fiscal 
41 
practices for local water utilities; 
42 
ii. furnish technical assistance and personnel training programs for local 
43 
water utilities; 
44 
iii. monitor and evaluate local water standards; and 
45 


 
17 
iv. effect system integration, joint investment and operation, district 
1 
annexation and de-annexation whenever economically warranted as 
2 
amended by Sec. 22, Presidential Decree No. 768. 
3 
 
4 
2) The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), whose 
5 
mandate, powers and functions are defined by Republic Act No. 6234, as 
6 
amended entitled, An Act Creating The Metropolitan Waterworks And Sewerage 
7 
System And Dissolving The National Waterworks And Sewerage Authority; And 
8 
For Other Purposes, shall be transferred from the DPWH and attached to the 
9 
Department: Provided, That the MWSS shall continue to facilitate the 
10 
exercise by the concessionaires of their responsibility; carry out accounting 
11 
and notification functions, monitor, report, and administer loans; perform 
12 
related functions in connections with existing projects; manage and dispose 
13 
its retained assets; and manage and operate the Umiray-Angat Transbasin 
14 
Project. 
15 
 
16 
3) The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), whose mandate, powers, 
17 
and functions are defined under Republic Act No. 3601 as amended by 
18 
Presidential Decree No. 552 and Presidential Decree No. 1702; 
19 
 
20 
4) The Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), whose mandate, powers 
21 
and functions are defined under Republic Act No. 4850, as amended 
22 
entitled, An Act Creating The Laguna Lake Development Authority, Prescribing 
23 
Its Powers, Functions And Duties, Providing Funds Therefor, And For Other 
24 
Purposes shall be transferred from the DENR and attached to the 
25 
Department.  
26 
 
27 
The LLDA shall continue to serve as the lake management and development 
28 
authority similar to a multi-stakeholder river basin organization and shall 
29 
ensure the implementation of the Laguna Lake Master Plan which shall be 
30 
updated by the Department to ensure alignment with the NWRMP.   
31 
 
32 
Any other agency exercising water resources management, conservation and 
33 
protection functions may be transferred to the Department as the President 
34 
deems necessary. 
35 
 
36 
 
37 
(c) Offices, Functions and Personnel to be Completely Subsumed by the Department. – 
38 
The following offices with their powers, functions, personnel, applicable funds 
39 
and appropriations, records, equipment and property shall be subsumed by the 
40 
Department: 
41 
 
42 
(1) The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) with all its divisions and 
43 
sections, whose mandate, powers and functions are found in Presidential 
44 
Decree No. 424, as amended; 
45 


 
18 
(2) The River Basin Control Office (RBCO) of the DENR whose mandate, 
1 
powers and functions are provided in Executive Order No. 510 and 
2 
Executive Order No. 816, as amended; 
3 
(3) The Manila Bay Coordinating Office (MBCO) of the DENR which was 
4 
strengthened by virtue of DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2011-01 to 
5 
coordinate the efforts of the fourteen (14) national agencies covered by the 
6 
Mandamus Order of the Supreme Court to rehabilitate Manila Bay; 
7 
(4) The Water Resources Management Division of the Bureau of Solid and 
8 
Water Management of the Department of Agriculture (DA);  
9 
(5) The Water Supply and Sanitation Unit of the Department of the Interior and 
10 
Local Government (DILG); and 
11 
(6) The Water Quality Management Section of the Environmental Management 
12 
Bureau of the DENR. 
13 
 
14 
 
15 
(d) Functions to be Transferred to the Department. – The following functions of the 
16 
respective agencies, bureaus, and units shall be transferred to the Department:  
17 
 
18 
(1) The hydrological surveys and groundwater mapping function of the Mines 
19 
and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the DENR; 
20 
(2) The hydrological surveys monitoring of stream flow and other water data 
21 
collection function of the Bureau of Design and Bureau of Research and 
22 
Standards of the DPWH; 
23 
(3) The protection and conservation of natural wetlands such as lakes, marshes, 
24 
swamps of the Biodiversity Management Bureau of the DENR;  
25 
(4) The planning, programming, administration, monitoring, management of 
26 
the National Sewerage and Septage Management Program (NSSMP) by the 
27 
DPWH; 
28 
(5) The flood management planning and sediment management function of the 
29 
Flood Control Management Cluster of the DPWH; 
30 
(6) The Water Resource Management Division and the water research 
31 
functions of the Soils and Water Research Division of the Bureau of Soils 
32 
and Water Management under the DA. All soil-related functions shall be 
33 
retained under the Bureau which shall be renamed as the Bureau of Soils.  
34 
 
35 
(e) Support Services – The Department shall create the following support services:  
36 
 
37 
(1) The Planning and Policy Service shall provide the Department with the 
38 
capability to undertake water infrastructure development planning and 
39 
programming, and shall exercise the following functions: 
40 
 
41 
(i) 
Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to water resources 
42 
planning; 
43 
(ii) 
Assist the Undersecretary for Planning and Policy on all matters 
44 
related to the specific functions of the position; 
45 


 
19 
(iii) 
Formulate strategies and priorities for water resources management 
1 
and development consistent with national development objectives, 
2 
and initiate or undertake relevant surveys for development 
3 
planning; 
4 
(iv) 
Develop and regularly update a comprehensive and integrated 
5 
National Water Resources Management Plan and ensure its 
6 
integration into existing land use plans; 
7 
(v) 
Coordinate river-basin planning following the integrated water 
8 
resources management framework and the river-basin approach;  
9 
(vi) 
Formulate or update existing River Basin Master or Comprehensive 
10 
Plans which includes all aspects of water management and 
11 
development such as water supply and sanitation, irrigation, flood 
12 
control and stormwater or urban drainage, drought risk 
13 
management, water resource development systems and other public 
14 
water works projects, including phasing of implementation;  
15 
(vii) 
Identify, based on the river basin master plan, priority packages for 
16 
water infrastructure development per river basin, including water 
17 
supply, sanitation, irrigation, flood control and stormwater or urban 
18 
drainage, drought risk management, water resource development 
19 
systems and other public works projects; package project proposals 
20 
for funding and prioritize project implementation and the allocation 
21 
of funds and other resources and undertake or supervise and 
22 
evaluate the conduct of feasibility studies and project preparation 
23 
thereof; 
24 
(viii) Evaluate and appraise all regional and inter-regional infrastructure 
25 
water development plans and programs as to their feasibility and 
26 
consistency with approved strategies and medium and long-term 
27 
plans;  
28 
(ix) 
Gather, analyze and organize needed statistical data and 
29 
information;  
30 
(x) 
Provide technical assistance related to its functions to the other 
31 
services, bureaus and the regional offices as needed;  
32 
(xi) 
Conduct of hydrological and hydraulic surveys and assessments of 
33 
surface waters;  
34 
(xii) 
Develop general criteria and standards on project investigation, 
35 
formulation, planning;  
36 
(xiii) Develop guidelines and standards on social inclusion in water 
37 
resources management and ensure policies, programs and plans are 
38 
compliant with the gender and development framework of the 
39 
government; 
40 
(xiv) Coordinate closely with PAGASA for rainfall and other climate data 
41 
which shall be considered in the planning for water resources 
42 
development and management and for various water infrastructure; 
43 
and 
44 


 
20 
(xv) 
Perform such other functions and activities, as may be mandated by 
1 
law, which are necessary for the effective attainment of the 
2 
abovementioned objectives.  
3 
 
4 
(2) The Decision Support System Service shall provide the Department with water 
5 
resource management tools and computerized decision support system that 
6 
incorporates data management system relating to acquisition and database 
7 
and model base in terms of physical, design, planning and decision models 
8 
including services related to networking, data management and 
9 
information and knowledge or learning management systems for 
10 
administrative and non-technical support. It shall provide the Secretary 
11 
timely reports on the status of various Department projects and activities. 
12 
For this purpose, it shall have the following functions: 
13 
 
14 
(i) Provide the Secretary needed data and processed information to aid 
15 
in policy and management decisions under the mandate of the 
16 
Department;  
17 
(ii) Publish available real-time raw water data as well as verified or 
18 
validated water data in print or electronic form using latest internet 
19 
technology; 
20 
(iii) 
Conduct and publish in print and/or electronic form, standard 
21 
data analysis such as basic statistical analysis, trend analysis, 
22 
analysis of runs, and cluster analysis; 
23 
(iv) 
Develop and continuously update water resource management, 
24 
computerized decision support system (DSS) that incorporates data 
25 
management system relating to acquisition and database, model 
26 
base in terms of physical, design, planning and decision models, and 
27 
user-friendly interface such as graphical and visualization tools. The 
28 
DSS is composed of: 1) a measurement or data acquisition system; 2) 
29 
information or database management system; 3) analytical and 
30 
numerical models for design, planning, decision or evaluation 
31 
purposes; and 4) a user-friendly interface which includes graphical 
32 
interface or visualization tools.  
33 
(v) Develop and maintain specific models to include the following: 
34 
a) long-term climatologic and weather forecasting model; 
35 
b) watershed models and river-flood plain models; 
36 
c) groundwater models and coupled to surface water models; 
37 
d) flood forecasting model for major rivers; 
38 
e) optimization-simulation management models for watershed 
39 
conservation, conjunctive surface and groundwater use, 
40 
irrigation scheduling, normal and emergency operations of 
41 
multipurpose reservoirs; and 
42 
f) water quality and ecological models. 
43 
(vi) 
Develop and administer the management information system 
44 
and knowledge systems of the Department to: 
45 


 
21 
a) Retrieve, process, and monitor information on all projects and 
1 
activities in the web portal; 
2 
b) Conduct and apply systems and process engineering, software 
3 
development, software configuration management;  
4 
c) Develop and manage its corporate database, unified database for 
5 
water industry, data warehouse, other water information 
6 
resources, library services and document management and 
7 
archiving services;  
8 
d) Develop and manage its Information and Communications 
9 
Technology (ICT) infrastructure and ICT related service 
10 
including computer networking and voice communications 
11 
services and data exchange;  
12 
e) Manage the literacy and training services of the Department on 
13 
various ICT, and Knowledge Management (KM) tools and 
14 
applications, 
including 
information 
and 
knowledge 
15 
management. 
16 
(vii) 
Perform such other related functions and activities which are 
17 
necessary for the effective administration of the management 
18 
information and knowledge systems of the Department. 
19 
 
20 
(3) The Administrative and Human Resource Service shall provide the Department 
21 
with services relating to human resources development, personnel, records, 
22 
facilities maintenance, medical and dental, security, and property and 
23 
procurement services, and shall exercise the following functions: 
24 
 
25 
(i) Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to internal 
26 
administration and human resources management;  
27 
(ii) Prepare and implement an integrated personnel development plan 
28 
that shall include provisions for merit promotions, performance 
29 
evaluation, job rotation, suggestions and incentive awards systems, 
30 
and health and welfare services; 
31 
(iii) 
Provide services related to human resources training, education 
32 
and development including manpower, career planning and 
33 
forecasting, and development of indigenous training materials;  
34 
(iv) 
Develop, establish and maintain an efficient and cost-effective 
35 
property procurement system and facilities and coordinate or 
36 
otherwise interface with relevant agencies, whether government or 
37 
private, for the purpose of developing or upgrading the system; 
38 
(v) Develop, establish, and maintain an efficient and effective security 
39 
system covering, among others, personnel, physical installations, 
40 
facilities, equipment, documents and materials including the 
41 
conduct of security investigations;  
42 
(vi) 
Coordinate with the appropriate government agencies for a more 
43 
efficient conduct of administrative processes;  
44 
(vii) 
Develop, establish, and maintain an efficient records system;  
45 


 
22 
(viii) Provide assistance in its area of specialization to the Department 
1 
Proper, bureaus and regional and water district offices and, when 
2 
requested, to the government agencies and corporations attached to 
3 
the Department; and 
4 
(ix) Perform such other functions and activities which are necessary for 
5 
the effective management of resources of the Department, including 
6 
its human resources.  
7 
 
8 
(4) The Legal and Legislative Service shall provide the Department with services 
9 
on such legal affairs as contract letting and litigation, legal and legislative 
10 
research, complaints and investigation, legal counselling and other matters 
11 
of law, and shall exercise the following functions:  
12 
 
13 
(i) Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to legal and legislative 
14 
affairs; 
15 
(ii) Prepare Department contracts and legal instruments, review and 
16 
interpret all contracts and agreements entered into by the 
17 
Department and evaluate all legal proposals; 
18 
(iii) 
Conduct administrative investigation and the review of 
19 
administrative charges against officers and employees of the 
20 
Department; 
21 
(iv) 
Exercise functional jurisdiction over the legal staffs of Regional 
22 
Offices; 
23 
(v) Provide legal assistance to the Department Proper, the bureaus and 
24 
regional offices and, when requested, the attached corporations; 
25 
(vi) 
Develop and prepare the Department’s Legislative Agenda, 
26 
recommend presidential certification of the urgency of priority water 
27 
bills, and other water-related legislations;  
28 
(vii) 
Coordinate and maintain linkages among the various offices, 
29 
bureaus, regional offices and attached agencies to the Department 
30 
along with other government agencies on policy matters affecting the 
31 
Department’s mandate in relation to legislation; 
32 
(viii) Perform liaison and networking activities in relation to the 
33 
enactment of related laws relating to water resources issues in 
34 
legislative policymaking bodies such as the Senate of the Philippines, 
35 
the House of Representatives, and the various Sanggunians;  
36 
(ix) Monitor the progress of the Department’s priority or certified bills to 
37 
ensure their passage; and 
38 
(x) Perform such functions and activities, as may be mandated by law, 
39 
which are necessary for the effective performance of the 
40 
abovementioned objectives. 
41 
 
42 
(5) The Comptrollership and Financial Management Service shall provide the 
43 
Department with coordinated services relating to financial systems and 
44 
procedures, budget, cash, accounting and all financial housekeeping 
45 
matters, and shall exercise the following functions: 
46 


 
23 
(i) Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to the accounting of 
1 
government expenditures and receipts, budgeting and cash 
2 
management, project finances and financial systems and procedures;  
3 
(ii) Prepare budget proposals and pursue formal budget authorizations, 
4 
undertake budget execution, and prepare and submit all appropriate 
5 
reports to the proper offices; 
6 
(iii) 
Develop and maintain accounting, financial and assets 
7 
management systems, procedures and practices in the Department 
8 
Proper, bureaus and regional offices; 
9 
(iv) 
Review and appraise systems and procedures, organizational 
10 
structure, assets management practices, accounting, and other 
11 
records, reports, ad performance standards such as budgets and 
12 
standard costs of the Department, bureaus, and regional offices; 
13 
(v) Provide assistance in its area of specialization to any unit of the 
14 
Department and, when requested, to government corporations and 
15 
councils attached to the Department; and 
16 
(vi) 
Perform such other related functions and activities which are 
17 
necessary for the effective financial management of the Department. 
18 
 
19 
(6) The Resource Regulation Service shall provide the Department with services 
20 
for the effective regulation of all water-related services and activities and 
21 
shall exercise the following functions: 
22 
 
23 
(i) Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to resource regulations; 
24 
(ii) Determine, grant and regulate water rights for the appropriate, 
25 
optimal and sustainable use of surface and ground water; 
26 
(iii) 
Determine and evaluate waterworks and sewerage licenses, and 
27 
submit evaluation result to the Water Regulatory Commission for the 
28 
latter’s consideration in granting of licenses; 
29 
(iv) 
Investigate violations of the water rights and the Water Code, and 
30 
impose the appropriate sanctions in accordance with existing laws, 
31 
rules and regulations as well as future rules and regulations which 
32 
the Department shall promulgate; 
33 
(v) Adjudicate water use conflicts; and 
34 
(vi) 
Perform such other functions and activities which are necessary 
35 
for the effective regulation of water-related services.  
36 
 
37 
(7) The Internal Audit Service shall regularly conduct a comprehensive audit of 
38 
various Department activities, and shall exercise the following functions: 
39 
 
40 
 
41 
(i) Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to management control 
42 
and operations audit; 
43 
(ii) Conduct a performance audit of the management and operations of 
44 
the Department, its activities, the performance of all units, and 
45 
determine the degree of compliance of all operating units with 
46 


 
24 
established objectives, policies, standards, methods and procedures, 
1 
government regulations and contractual obligations of the 
2 
Department; 
3 
(iii) 
Review and appraise systems and procedures, organizational 
4 
structure, assets management practices, accounting and other 
5 
records, and performance standards such as budgets and standard 
6 
costs of the Department Proper, bureaus and regional offices; 
7 
(iv) 
Analyze and evaluate management deficiencies and recommend 
8 
realistic courses of action; and 
9 
(v) Perform such functions and activities, as may be mandated by law, 
10 
which are necessary for the effective performance of the 
11 
abovementioned objectives. 
12 
 
13 
(8) The Public Affairs Service shall enhance relations with all stakeholders 
14 
including the media, for the effective dissemination of information relating 
15 
to water-related issues, including important announcements on policies 
16 
and activities of the department that is of interest to the general public. It 
17 
shall ensure that women, men, elderly, and people with disabilities shall be 
18 
consulted, organized and can take active part in all aspects of water 
19 
resources development and management activities. It shall also lead the 
20 
planning and organizing of the special events, and shall exercise the 
21 
following functions: 
22 
 
23 
(i) 
Public Awareness 
24 
a) Advise the Secretary on matters pertaining to public affairs; 
25 
b) Develop and supervise the implementation of comprehensible 
26 
communications programs on relevant policies, programs and 
27 
plans of the Department; 
28 
c) Produce and supervise the dissemination of communication 
29 
materials in line with the priorities of the Department and the 
30 
national government public information programs; 
31 
d) Conduct public opinion and attitude surveys to identify the 
32 
interests and concerns of the stakeholders of the Department; 
33 
e) Establish policies on the presentation and publication of the 
34 
content of the communication materials for dissemination to 
35 
print and broadcast media; 
36 
f) Establish and maintain linkages with the tri-media and presence 
37 
in social media; 
38 
g) Coordinate the conduct of interviews and news conferences; 
39 
h) Make public announcements on matters relating to the work and 
40 
activities of the Department through the print and broadcast 
41 
media, either through press releases or live interviews; 
42 
i) Coordinate 
with 
various 
Department 
units, 
concerned 
43 
government agencies, tri-media and other stakeholders on 
44 
matters related to the above-enumerated functions; and 
45 


 
25 
j) Coordinate with the appropriate national government agencies 
1 
involved in public information affairs. 
2 
 
3 
(ii) 
Promoting Participation 
4 
 
5 
a) Conduct public consultations and discussions;  
6 
b) Develop and disseminate relevant and appropriate materials and 
7 
programs for public information and education, as well as 
8 
advocacy campaign; 
9 
c) Conduct seminars and workshops involving the LGUs and the 
10 
general public on current water issues and problems; and 
11 
d) Conduct capability building seminars of various stakeholders to 
12 
promote meaningful participation in the Department’s policy 
13 
making, planning, development and implementation of various 
14 
programs and projects. 
15 
 
16 
(iii) 
Special Events 
17 
a) Coordinate the organization and promotion of special events and 
18 
water exhibits; 
19 
b) Act as the focal office for all water related events; and 
20 
c) Perform such other functions and activities, as may be mandated 
21 
by law, which are necessary for the effective performance of the 
22 
abovementioned objectives.  
23 
 
24 
 
25 
(f) Bureaus. – The Department shall create bureaus, which shall each be headed by 
26 
a Bureau Director. The Bureau Director shall be responsible for the efficient and 
27 
effective discharge of the functions of the Bureau concerned. The Bureau 
28 
Director shall be assisted by one (1) Assistant Director. 
29 
 
30 
(1) The Bureau of Flood Control and Drainage shall plan and design flood control 
31 
and drainage structures and facilities in accordance with technical 
32 
standards, guidelines and manuals. For this purpose, it shall have the 
33 
following duties and responsibilities: 
34 
 
35 
 
36 
(i) Formulate policy, strategies and programs on flood risk management in 
37 
the context of integrated flood management (IFM) which integrates 
38 
water, land, coastal zone and multi-hazard management. In integrating 
39 
land-use planning and water management, the Department shall 
40 
harmonize and synthesize plans to enable the sharing of information   
41 
between land-use planning and water management authorities. In this 
42 
regard, a holistic approach shall be adopted by making the IFM a part of 
43 
a wider risk or multi-hazard management system that includes 
44 
earthquakes, landslides, fires, tsunami, and other calamities of the same 
45 
gravity or nature; 
46 


 
26 
(ii) Integrate climate change and disaster risk reduction and management in 
1 
policies and plans; 
2 
(iii) 
Prepare master plans of flood management and drainage in river 
3 
basins in coordination with the concerned water resources region and 
4 
river basin organizations;  
5 
(iv) 
Prepare master plans for urban drainage in cities and 
6 
municipalities; 
7 
(v) Prepare feasibility studies of recommended measures in the master 
8 
plans; 
9 
(vi) 
Plan and design structural measures for flood control and 
10 
drainage; 
11 
(vii) 
Implement and collaborate with concerned agencies on the 
12 
formulation and adoption of non-structural measures for flood control 
13 
and drainage; 
14 
(viii) 
Patrol and investigate rivers and monitor stream flows; 
15 
(ix) Conduct post-disaster investigation and evaluation and damage 
16 
assessment of flood infrastructures after extreme events; 
17 
(x) Conduct research and development on water and sediment-related 
18 
disasters;  
19 
(xi) Develop design guidelines, criteria and standards on flood control and 
20 
drainage structures; 
21 
(xii) 
Provide technical assistance to other agencies, LGUs and other 
22 
stakeholders;  
23 
(xiii) 
Advise the Secretary on declaring flood control areas and 
24 
recommend guidelines for flood plain management plans in these areas; 
25 
and  
26 
(xiv) 
Perform such related activities for the effective performance of its 
27 
functions. 
28 
 
29 
(2) The Bureau of Water Quality Management shall supervise and control over all 
30 
aspects of water quality management to ensure the sustainability of the 
31 
country’s water resources and the protection of the environment. It should 
32 
take into account proper and integrated treatment of freshwater and 
33 
wastewater within the whole process. For this purpose, the Bureau shall 
34 
exercise the following functions: 
35 
 
36 
 
37 
(i) Establish water quality guidelines for freshwater and coastal or marine 
38 
waters as basis for classifying water bodies in the country. Specifically, 
39 
develop water quality indices or composite metrics to measure the 
40 
quality status and health of natural water bodies in relation to ecological 
41 
integrity and function; 
42 
(ii) Establish effluent standards for point discharges to receiving bodies of 
43 
water;  
44 
(iii) 
Establish internationally accepted procedures for sampling 
45 
analysis;  
46 


 
27 
(iv) 
Prepare an integrated water quality management framework; 
1 
(v) Prepare the 10-year water quality management plans for each water 
2 
quality management area as part of the River Basin Master Plans in 
3 
support of the NWRMP;  
4 
(vi) 
Classify 
groundwater 
sources 
and 
prepare 
a 
national 
5 
groundwater vulnerability map;  
6 
(vii) 
Classify or reclassify all water bodies according to their beneficial 
7 
usages using the established water quality guidelines; 
8 
(viii) 
Issue permits, clearances and similar instruments pursuant to the 
9 
Clean Water Act of 2004; 
10 
(ix) Collect the wastewater discharge fees for all permittees; 
11 
(x) Monitor the compliance of water discharge permittees with the effluent 
12 
standards;  
13 
(xi) Regularly monitor the water quality of major water bodies in the country 
14 
and analyze the data to identify possible sources of pollution;  
15 
(xii) 
Issue notices of violations and/or cease and desist orders for 
16 
those found in violation;  
17 
(xiii) 
File the needed cases against violators with the Water Pollution 
18 
Adjudication Board (WPAB);  
19 
(xiv) 
Serve as secretariat of the WPAB; and  
20 
(xv) 
Perform such functions and activities, as may be mandated by 
21 
law, which are necessary for the effective performance of the 
22 
abovementioned objectives. 
23 
 
24 
 
25 
(3) A Water Resources Regional Office (WRRO) shall be organized per water 
26 
resources region and shall be responsible for implementing the mandates, 
27 
powers and duties of the Department at the field level, except for 
28 
policymaking which will be vested solely in the Department. The 
29 
formulation of the master plan for the nearby river basins such as the Pasig-
30 
Marikina-Laguna Lake-Cavite, shall be the responsibility of the 
31 
Department. For this purpose, the duties and responsibilities of the WRRO 
32 
shall be as follows: 
33 
(i) Formulate or update and coordinate the river basin master plan for river 
34 
basins within its jurisdictions ensuring consistency with the NWRMP;  
35 
(ii) Advocate and strongly support the creation and functioning of multi-
36 
stakeholder River Basin Organizations (RBOs) and serve as the 
37 
secretariat of the said RBOs; 
38 
(iii) 
Undertake and evaluate the planning, design, and work 
39 
supervision functions of the Department for the water infrastructures 
40 
within the region; 
41 
(iv) 
Ensure the implementation of laws, policies, programs, rules and 
42 
regulations regarding the abovementioned infrastructure as well as 
43 
public and private physical structures; 
44 
(v) Provide technical assistance related to the water-related functions of 
45 
other agencies within the region especially the local government;  
46 


 
28 
(vi) 
Coordinate with other departments, agencies, institutions and 
1 
organizations, especially local government units within the region in the 
2 
planning and implementation of the river basin master plans; 
3 
(vii) 
Conduct consultations with the local communities, take 
4 
appropriate measures to ensure that the services of the Department are 
5 
responsive, and recommend such appropriate actions as may be 
6 
necessary; and  
7 
(viii) 
Perform such functions and activities, as may be mandated by 
8 
law, which are necessary for the effective performance of the 
9 
abovementioned objectives. 
10 
 
11 
The Department shall retain existing Project Management Offices as 
12 
may be required, which shall be under the supervision and control of the 
13 
appropriate WRRO Director, unless otherwise determined by the Secretary for 
14 
reasons of supra- regional scope, magnitude and multi-functional coverage. 
15 
 
16 
Each WRRO shall be headed by a Water Resources Regional Director 
17 
who shall be responsible for efficiently and effectively carrying out the duties 
18 
and responsibilities of the Office. Towards this end, the Water Resources 
19 
Regional Director shall exercise functional and administrative supervision over 
20 
all units within the region and is authorized to commit resources and assign 
21 
personnel to integrated regional water resources management, water supply 
22 
and sanitation management, and flood control and flood risk management 
23 
initiatives. The Water Resources Regional Director shall also perform such 
24 
other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or delegated by the 
25 
Secretary or as may be required by law. 
26 
 
27 
The Water Resources Regional Director shall be assisted by two (2) 
28 
Assistant Water Resources Regional Office Directors who shall exercise 
29 
supervision over (1) the planning, project design and evaluation function and 
30 
(2) technical assistance to the River Basin Organizations within the water 
31 
resources region. 
32 
 
33 
SEC. 14.  Water Pollution Adjudication Board. – There is hereby created a Water 
34 
Pollution Adjudication Board under the Office of the Secretary. The Board shall be 
35 
composed of the Secretary as Chairperson, two (2) Undersecretaries as may be 
36 
designated by the Secretary, the Director of the Water Quality Management Bureau 
37 
and three (3) representatives from other stakeholders to be designated by the Secretary 
38 
as members. 
39 
 
40 
 The Board shall assume the powers and functions of the National Pollution 
41 
Control Commission with respect to the adjudication of water pollution cases under 
42 
Republic Act No. 3931 entitled, An Act Creating The National Water And Air Pollution 
43 
Control Commission, Presidential Decree 984 entitled Providing For The Revision Of 
44 
Republic Act No. 3931, Commonly Known as the Pollution Control Law, And For Other 
45 
Purposes, particularly with respect to Section 6 (e), (f), (g), (j), and (k) and RA 9275. The 
46 


 
29 
Bureau of Water Quality Management shall serve as the Secretariat of the Board. These 
1 
powers and functions may be delegated to the field officers of the Department in 
2 
accordance with rules and regulations to be promulgated by the Board. 
3 
 
4 
 
5 
CHAPTER III 
6 
INTERDEPARTMENTAL RELATIONS 
7 
AND INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS OF THE DEPARTMENT 
8 
 
9 
SEC. 15. Interface and Institutional Arrangements with Other Agencies. – 
10 
(a) The Department of Health (DOH) shall continue to have primary authority and 
11 
responsibility for setting and enforcing drinking water quality standards. The 
12 
Department shall coordinate with the DOH in this regard and shall ensure 
13 
consistency of standards and targets, as well as the compliance of permittees 
14 
with mandated standards; 
15 
(b) The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) shall continue 
16 
to have primary authority and responsibility for protecting the environment 
17 
and managing the country’s watersheds; 
18 
(c) The Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Power Corporation (NPC) 
19 
shall continue to have primary authority and responsibility for establishing 
20 
hydropower plants, but shall ensure that any hydropower plant development 
21 
plans are consistent with the NWRMP; 
22 
(d) The Department shall coordinate with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to 
23 
ensure agricultural development that reduces long-term pollution for surface 
24 
water and groundwater, and agricultural and industrial economic 
25 
development that employs water efficiency, water recycling/reuse and the 
26 
appropriate treatment of wastewater; 
27 
(e) The Department shall coordinate with the National Disaster Risk Reduction 
28 
Management Council (NDRRMC) to ensure that its plans and designs for flood 
29 
control, flood risk management and drought risk management are aligned with 
30 
the objectives and plans of the said Department;  
31 
(f) The Department shall coordinate with the Climate Change Commission (CCC), 
32 
Philippine 
Atmospheric, 
Geophysical 
and 
Astronomical 
Services 
33 
Administration (PAGASA), and the National Mapping and Resource 
34 
Information Authority (NAMRIA) for scientific studies, integrated surveys, 
35 
mapping, charting and decision support systems  
36 
(g) The Department shall coordinate with the Department of Tourism (DOT) on 
37 
recreational use of water resources;  
38 
(h) The Department shall coordinate with the Philippine Reclamation Authority 
39 
and economic zone authorities on water resources development and water 
40 
requirements within reclamation areas and economic zones, respectively; and  
41 
(i) The Department shall coordinate with relevant government agencies, 
42 
including Local Government Units (LGUs), with respect to development 
43 
projects and shall ensure cross-cutting collaboration between and among all 
44 
water subsectors and facilitate inter-agency subsector coordination, strategic 
45 
development, planning, monitoring and provision of technical, institutional 
46 


 
30 
and financial capacity building support to their different stakeholders at the 
1 
water subsector level. 
2 
  
3 
SEC. 16. National Water Sector Policy Board. – The National Water Sector Policy 
4 
Board shall be created and shall be headed by the Secretary of the Department of 
5 
Water Resources with the Secretary of the NEDA as the Vice Chairperson, and the 
6 
Secretaries of the DOH, DILG, DOE, DA, DSWD, DPWH, DENR, Department of 
7 
Budget and Management (DBM); the Office of the President; and the National 
8 
Commission on Indigenous Peoples as members. The Department shall provide 
9 
personnel to serve as Secretariat to the Board.  
10 
 
11 
SEC. 17. Powers and Functions of the National Water Sector Policy Board (NWSPB). 
12 
– The NWSPB shall perform policymaking, coordination, integration, supervision, 
13 
monitoring and evaluation functions, shall have the following responsibilities: 
14 
(a) Approve the NWRMP which shall serve as a principal guide to water 
15 
management efforts in the country and shall be reviewed every five (5) years, 
16 
or as may be deemed necessary, in order to ensure its relevance to the times; 
17 
(b) Provide overall policy direction and recommend policies on water resources 
18 
requiring Presidential decision; 
19 
(c) Advise the President on the status of water management and supply, 
20 
recommend to the President the declaration of a state calamity in areas affected 
21 
by water supply, and submit proposals to restore normalcy in the affected 
22 
areas; 
23 
(d) Ensure a multi-stakeholder participation in the development, updating, and 
24 
sharing of information system as policy, planning and decision-making tools 
25 
consistent with the IWRM. 
26 
 
27 
SEC. 18. Transfer of Rights and Obligations. – The Department shall, by virtue of 
28 
this Act, be subrogated to all the rights and assume all the obligations of the 
29 
government agencies and units whose powers and functions have been subsumed, 
30 
absorbed, transferred or attached to the Department in accordance with the rules and 
31 
regulations of the Commission on Audit, the Civil Service Commission, and other 
32 
applicable laws. The transfer of powers and functions as herein provided shall take 
33 
effect within six (6) months of the effectivity of this Act. As such, all affected agencies, 
34 
offices, and units shall continue to function under their present mandates.  
35 
 
36 
CHAPTER IV 
37 
WATER REGULATORY COMMISSION 
38 
 
39 
SEC. 19. Water Regulatory Commission. – There is hereby created and established 
40 
an independent, quasi-judicial regulatory body to be known as the Water Regulatory 
41 
Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission, which shall be organized 
42 
within one hundred twenty (120) days after the effectivity of this Act.  
43 
 
44 
The Commission shall be placed under the administrative supervision of the 
45 
Department. 
46 


 
31 
 
1 
The Commission shall have a Board of Commissioners, and shall be vested 
2 
with powers and functions, as conferred and set forth hereunder. 
3 
 
4 
SEC. 20.  The Regulatory Units. – The regulatory units of the Commission shall 
5 
be composed of the central regulatory unit and the regional regulatory units.  
6 
 
7 
The economic regulatory units and functions of the MWSS, NWRB, LWUA, 
8 
SBMA, PEZA, and TIEZA are hereby transferred to the Commission, and shall 
9 
collectively comprise its central regulatory unit for water supply and sanitation 
10 
services that: (a) provide services to more than one province; and (b) are owned, 
11 
operated, and/or maintained by special economic zones and Metro Manila 
12 
concessionaires. 
13 
 
14 
The regional regulatory units shall be established by the Commission in 
15 
accordance with this Act and the rules, regulations, guidelines and standards that the 
16 
Commission shall issue.   
17 
 
18 
SEC. 21. Powers and Functions of the Commission. – The overall authority and 
19 
powers of the Commission shall cover and apply to all service providers, whether 
20 
private or public, providing or intending to provide levels II & III water supply, 
21 
including suppliers to subdivisions and other service providers, sewerage, and/or 
22 
septage treatment and disposal services for domestic, residential, institutional, 
23 
industrial or commercial use. 
24 
 
25 
The Commission shall exercise the following powers and functions: 
26 
a) Issue and promulgate rules, regulations and guidelines as may be necessary 
27 
to implement and enforce its powers and functions under this Act; 
28 
b) Promulgate and enforce just and reasonable technical standards, classifications 
29 
and measurements of service; 
30 
c) Appoint the central and regional regulators;  
31 
d) Establish rules and regulations to monitor, avoid and provide remedies for any 
32 
market power abuse or anti-competitive or discriminatory act or behavior by 
33 
or against any participant in the water supply and sanitation sector.  Upon 
34 
finding that a market participant has engaged in, or fell victim to such act or 
35 
behavior, the Commission shall act to stop or redress the same.  Such remedies 
36 
may, without limitation, include the imposition of price controls, issuance of 
37 
injunctions, requirement of divestment or disgorgement of excess profits, 
38 
invalidation of contracts and imposition of fines and penalties pursuant to this 
39 
Act. 
40 
e) Adopt and require that books, records and accounts be kept and maintained in 
41 
accordance with the prescribed uniform accounting system; 
42 
f) Fix and determine proper and adequate rates of depreciation of properties and 
43 
equipment used in water supply and sanitation services; 
44 
g) Impose and collect annual levies determined as a percentage of gross revenue 
45 
accruing in relation to the licensed activities, and reasonable fees and 
46 


 
32 
surcharges as may be necessary for achieving the purposes, powers and 
1 
functions of the Commission; 
2 
h) Require the submission reports of finances and operations, verified under oaths 
3 
by the owner or president and secretary of the Licensee; 
4 
i) Determine and require the monitoring and submission of such data, statistics 
5 
and other information from the regulatory units and any or all licensees as may 
6 
be necessary for the effective and efficient exercise of its duties, functions, 
7 
powers and responsibilities. 
8 
j) Investigate, motu proprio or upon a written complaint, any matter concerning 
9 
the operation of the service and issues on price manipulation and anti-
10 
competitive behavior; 
11 
k) Impose penalties and fines against any licensee or against its owners, directors, 
12 
officers, agents or representatives for any violation of this Act or of the license, 
13 
order, rule, regulation or requirement issued by the Commission;  
14 
l) Require any licensee to pay the actual expenses incurred by the Commission in 
15 
any investigation if it shall be found that a licensee violated any provision of 
16 
this Act or of the license, order, rule, regulation or requirement issued by the 
17 
Commission; 
18 
m) 
Advise, apprise, and coordinate with other relevant agencies of the 
19 
national or local government on any matter relating to water supply and 
20 
sanitation services; 
21 
n) Deputize agents, whether from the public or private sector, to assist in the 
22 
performance of any of the powers and functions of the Commission; 
23 
o) Appoint an interim or temporary management committee upon appeal and 
24 
after due hearing, to ensure continuity of service in cases a licensee fails to meet 
25 
conditions of the license and the concerned Regulatory Unit fails or refuses to 
26 
appoint an interim management committee as provided in the following 
27 
section; 
28 
p) Appoint, hire and maintain adequate staff and personnel, advisers, or 
29 
consultants, with suitable qualifications and experience, as necessary; 
30 
q) Exercise original and exclusive jurisdiction over all cases contesting rates, fees, 
31 
fines and penalties imposed by the regulatory units in the exercise of their 
32 
powers, functions and responsibilities, as provided under this Act, and over all 
33 
cases involving disputes between and among participants or stakeholders in 
34 
the water supply and sanitation services; and 
35 
r) Such other incidental powers and functions as may be necessary to attain the 
36 
objectives of this Act. 
37 
  
38 
SEC. 22. Powers and Functions of the Regulatory Units. – The regulatory units of 
39 
the Commission shall have the following powers and functions: 
40 
a) Issue licenses authorizing the operation of water supply and sanitation services 
41 
in any specified area or areas within the Philippines. 
42 
b) Impose fines, charges and other penalties upon any provider and/or its officers 
43 
and stockholders who shall fail or refuse to register or obtain a license prior to 
44 
operation or commencement of business, as provided hereunder. 
45 
c) Review, determine, fix, and approve, consistent with the rules, guidelines, 
46 


 
33 
procedures and methodologies which the Commission shall provide, proposed 
1 
water and sewerage and septage management tariffs, rates and charges that 
2 
licensees may impose upon their consumers;  
3 
d) Appraise and value property and equipment used by licensees in providing 
4 
water supply and sanitation services. 
5 
e) Enforce technical, financial and other performance standards set by the 
6 
Commission for licensees or utilities; 
7 
f) Respond to consumer complaints and ensure the adequate promotion of 
8 
consumer interests and investigate motu proprio price manipulation and anti-
9 
competitive behavior; 
10 
g) Investigate accidents directly or indirectly arising from or connected with the 
11 
maintenance or operation of the service, and make such order or 
12 
recommendation as the public interest may warrant 
13 
h) Require the review and/or approval of contracts or agreements that may 
14 
impact on the tariff and rates of service provision entered into by service 
15 
providers upon petition or motu proprio where in its determination public 
16 
interest so dictates; 
17 
i) Require the submission of reports, plans and other documents that define the 
18 
performance targets of the licensees or utilities, and regular accomplishment 
19 
reports; 
20 
j) Impose and collect annual levies determined as a percentage of gross revenue 
21 
accruing in relation to the licensed activities, and reasonable fees and 
22 
surcharges as may be necessary for achieving the purposes, powers and 
23 
functions of the regulator; 
24 
k) Conduct benchmarking and monitor the performance of licensees or utilities 
25 
under their jurisdiction, and publish reports detailing the results thereof, as 
26 
may be necessary or required by the Commission; 
27 
l) Amend, modify, suspend or revoke any License issued by them, after due 
28 
notice and hearing, on any of the following grounds: 
29 
i. when the facts and circumstances on the strength of which the license was 
30 
issued have been materially misrepresented or have materially changed;  
31 
ii. where the licensee has failed to meet or comply with terms, conditions 
32 
and performance targets, including but not limited to service expansion 
33 
that may have been set in the license; 
34 
iii. where the licensee is found to be manifestly inefficient in the operation of 
35 
or provision of water supply and sanitation services in its area; or 
36 
iv. when the licensee thereof has violated or willfully refused to comply with 
37 
any order, rule or regulation of the Commission or any provision of this 
38 
Act; 
39 
m) 
Appoint an interim management committee to ensure continuity of 
40 
service in case a licensee fails to meet conditions of the license; and 
41 
n) Submit performance plans and reports as required by the Commission. 
42 
 
43 
SEC. 23. Composition of the Water Regulatory Commission. –  
44 
a) The Commission shall be a collegial body composed of five (5) full-time 
45 
members consisting of a Chairperson and four (4) members, who shall all be 
46 


 
34 
appointed by the President of the Philippines. All members of the 
1 
Commission must be citizens and residents of the Philippines, at least thirty 
2 
five (35) years of age, and of good moral character, of recognized integrity 
3 
and competence in the field of law, business, commerce, finance, accounting 
4 
or public administration, water or utility economics, management, physical 
5 
or engineering services, hydrology and other related services, with at least 
6 
three (3) years of actual and distinguished experience in their respective fields 
7 
of expertise: Provided, That out of the four members of the Commission, at 
8 
least one (1) shall be a member of the Philippine Bar with at least ten (10) 
9 
years of experience in the active practice of law, and at least one (1) shall be 
10 
a certified public accountant with at least ten (10) years of experience in active 
11 
practice. 
12 
b) The term of office of each member of the Commission shall be seven (7) years: 
13 
Provided, That among the members first appointed, the Chairperson shall 
14 
serve for a period of seven (7) years, two (2) members shall serve for  five (5) 
15 
years and the other two (2) members shall serve for three (3) years: Provided 
16 
further, That any member whose term has expired as specified herein shall 
17 
serve as such until his successor shall have been appointed and qualified: 
18 
Provided furthermore, That any appointment to fill a vacancy in the 
19 
Commission arising from death, removal, retirement or resignation shall be 
20 
made only for the unexpired term: Provided, finally, That in no case shall any 
21 
member serve for more than seven (7) years in the Commission.  
22 
c) The Commission shall meet as often as may be necessary on such day or days 
23 
as the Chairperson may fix. The presence of at least three (3) members of the 
24 
Commission shall constitute a quorum, which shall be necessary for the 
25 
transaction of any business. The affirmative vote of majority of the members 
26 
of the Commission where a quorum is present shall be necessary for the 
27 
adoption of any order, resolution, decisions, or other act of the Commission 
28 
in the exercise of its quasi-judicial functions: Provided, That in promulgating 
29 
rules, regulations, guidelines and in exercising its quasi-legislative functions, 
30 
an affirmative vote of three (3) members shall be required.  
31 
d) The Chairperson of the Commission shall exercise general executive control 
32 
and supervision over the Commission and its members, staff and personnel, 
33 
agents and representatives. Within three (3) months from the creation of the 
34 
Commission and the appointment of all Members of the Commission, the 
35 
Chairperson shall determine and establish the organizational structure and 
36 
plantilla positions necessary to carry out the powers and functions of the 
37 
Commission, subject to the review and approval of the DBM. 
38 
 
39 
The plantilla positions of the Commission shall be filled by regular 
40 
appointments in accordance with Civil Service laws, rules, and regulations. 
41 
Members of the Commission shall enjoy security of tenure and shall not be 
42 
suspended ore removed from office except for just cause as specified by law.   
43 
 
44 
e) The Chairperson and members of the Commission or any of their relatives 
45 
within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, legitimate or 
46 


 
35 
common law, shall be prohibited from holding any interest whatsoever, either 
1 
as investor, stockholder, officer or director, in any company or entity engaged 
2 
in provision of water supply and distribution, septage management and 
3 
sewerage services and must, therefore, divest through sale or legal disposition 
4 
of any and all interests in the water sector upon assumption of office. 
5 
 
6 
SEC. 24. Secretariat of the Commission. – The Commission shall establish a 
7 
Secretariat which shall provide the Commission with technical and support services 
8 
including the following: 
9 
 
10 
a) Provide the necessary technical inputs and secretariat support to the 
11 
Commission to facilitate the conduct of its functions;  
12 
b) Coordinate with Regulatory Units to ensure proper implementation of the 
13 
rules, regulations and guidelines promulgated by the Commission; 
14 
c) Monitor and assess activities of the Regulatory Units vis-à-vis their respective 
15 
annual performance plans and targets; 
16 
d) Maintain a database on the water supply and sanitation subsector; and  
17 
e) Coordinate with other relevant agencies of the national or local government 
18 
on any matter relating to water supply and sanitation. 
19 
 
20 
SEC. 25. Executive Director. – The Commission shall appoint an Executive 
21 
Director who shall head the Commission Secretariat, keep and maintain the official 
22 
records of the Commission, render a report on the proceedings of the Commission, 
23 
and administer oaths in all matters falling within the jurisdiction of the Commission. 
24 
 
25 
The Executive Director shall be responsible for the effective implementation 
26 
of the policies, plans, programs, rules, regulations and directives of the Commission; 
27 
coordinate and supervise the activities of the different operating units under the 
28 
Commission; and perform such functions as may be assigned by the Chairperson 
29 
and/or other members of the Commission. 
30 
 
31 
SEC. 26. Compensation and Other Emoluments. – The compensation of the 
32 
members of the Commission and its staff shall conform to the provisions of Republic 
33 
Act No. 6758, as amended. 
34 
 
35 
CHAPTER V 
36 
REGISTRATION AND LICENSING 
37 
 
38 
SEC. 27. Registration and Licensing of All Water Supply and Sanitation Services. – 
39 
All water supply and sanitation service providers, including bulk water suppliers 
40 
and those providing services to subdivisions and other Service Providers, shall 
41 
register with the Commission and, subject to such rules, guidelines, procedures and 
42 
other issuances of the Commission, obtain a license to operate from the appropriate 
43 
Regulatory Units. 
44 
 
45 


 
36 
The Commission shall ensure that the grant and revocation of licenses are 
1 
carried out fairly, transparently, and without discrimination. Issuances of the 
2 
Commission shall specify, among others, the qualifications, requirements and 
3 
procedure for the grant and revocation of licenses, including the standards and 
4 
performance targets that shall continuously be complied with to keep the licenses 
5 
valid. 
6 
 
7 
Unless otherwise provided in this Act or by the Commission, no public water 
8 
supply and sanitation service provider shall commence or conduct the business of 
9 
providing water supply and sanitation services without first obtaining a license. 
10 
 
11 
Concession agreements and other contracts for water supply provision and 
12 
water sanitation and treatment services currently existing shall remain valid and 
13 
enforceable unless otherwise terminated, after due notice and hearing for reasons 
14 
provided in the existing terms and conditions under the concession or service 
15 
agreement or contract, or when invalidated by the Commission, after due notice and 
16 
hearing, where national security, national emergency or public interest so dictates. 
17 
 
18 
SEC 28.  Conditions of License. – The Commission or the concerned regulatory 
19 
unit, may impose such conditions on the licensee as it may deem necessary, such as: 
20 
 
21 
a) Tariffs, rates and charges that may be imposed from its customers or 
22 
consumers; 
23 
b) Term fixing the duration of the privilege;  
24 
c) Grounds for modification, suspension or cancellation of the License; 
25 
d) Minimum technical performance and service level standards; 
26 
e) Expansion targets and service level improvements over time; 
27 
f) Restrictions or conditions for transferability of the business or controlling 
28 
interest in the business; 
29 
g) Reportorial requirements and obligations of the grantee; 
30 
h) Submission to annual performance audit by the Commission or its duly 
31 
authorized representative(s). 
32 
 
33 
The Commission shall specify the requirements and procedure for existing 
34 
holders of Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC), Certificates of Public 
35 
Convenience and Necessity (CPCN)  issued by NWRB, or Certificate of Conformance 
36 
(CoC) issued by LWUA, to convert their existing certificates into licenses to operate 
37 
in accordance with Section 27 herein. 
38 
 
39 
All existing providers of water supply and sanitation services without a legal 
40 
and valid CPC, CPCN, or CoC shall register with the Commission and apply for a 
41 
License within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act. 
42 
 
43 
SEC. 29. Rights and Duties of Licensees. – 
44 


 
37 
a) Any person granted a license under this Act shall have the obligation to ensure 
1 
that licensed activities are conducted to further public interest and, in 
2 
particular: 
3 
 
4 
i. Foster the maintenance and development of efficient, coordinated, and 
5 
viable operation of their licensed activities; 
6 
ii. Ensure that their water supply and sanitation services are provided in a 
7 
diligent, conscientious and workman like manner, in accordance with 
8 
applicable laws, rules, and regulations issued by the Commission and the 
9 
generally accepted standards and practices in the water supply and 
10 
sanitation industry; 
11 
iii. Comply with drinking water quality requirements and standards that may 
12 
be established by the Commission; and 
13 
 
14 
b) Any person granted a license under this Act shall, to the extent allowed by 
15 
law and specified in the license, has the right to acquire or lease land, lay or 
16 
repair water or sanitation main lines and other relevant facilities in public 
17 
ways to fulfill the terms and conditions under the license. 
18 
 
19 
c) Subject to any condition or limitation laid down in the license, a licensee may 
20 
discontinue water supply and sanitation services to a customer if such 
21 
customer defaults in the payment of fees due to the licensee for the water 
22 
supplied or sanitation services provided, or for acts of pilferage pursuant to 
23 
Sections 8, 9, 10, and 11 of Republic Act No. 8041, otherwise known as the 
24 
Water Crisis Act of 1995. 
25 
 
26 
d) Any license issued under this Act shall contain provisions designed to ensure 
27 
that licensees: 
28 
i. Publish the Tariff and other charges approved by and the terms and 
29 
conditions imposed by the Commission for the provision of water supply 
30 
and sanitation services; 
31 
ii. Prepare, within three (3) months from the issuance of a license, in 
32 
consultation with its customers, a Customer Service Code specifying the 
33 
manner and procedure for: (a) metering, billing, and collection of the 
34 
licensee’s approved tariff and other charges, (b) disconnection or 
35 
suspension of service in case of non-payment of tariffs and/or other 
36 
charges, or acts of pilferage, and (c) recommendation and recovery of 
37 
arrears in tariffs and other charges;   
38 
iii. Maintain financial accounts in accordance with the manner and procedure 
39 
specified in the License and as may be required by the Commission; and 
40 
iv. Maintain and upon request by anyone during regular office hours, 
41 
promptly make available for scrutiny and inspection such data, statistics 
42 
and other information, as may be required by the Commission. 
43 
 
44 


 
38 
SEC. 30. Setting Tariffs, Rates and Other Charges. – Regulatory units shall 
1 
establish tariffs, rates and other charges which are fair and reasonable, and ensure 
2 
economic viability and a fair return on investments. 
3 
 
4 
Tariffs, rates and charges shall be based on and consistent with a rate-setting 
5 
methodology that the Commission shall, after due consultation, define and publish, 
6 
taking into account the following, among others: 
7 
 
8 
a) Reasonable and prudent capital and recurrent costs of providing the service 
9 
including a reasonable rate of return on capital;  
10 
b) Efficiency of the service;  
11 
c) Incentives for enhancement of efficiency;  
12 
d) Willingness to pay of the customers/consumers;  
13 
e) Equity considerations; and  
14 
f) Administrative simplicity. 
15 
 
16 
Tariffs, rates and charges set by the regulatory units shall be presumed valid 
17 
and reasonable unless a protest or contest is filed with the Commission. 
18 
 
19 
 
SEC. 31. Direct Access. - Fifty-one percent (51%) of the registered water 
20 
consumers in a municipality, city or province may petition for direct access to water 
21 
from any water service provider subject to concurrence by the service provider and 
22 
approval by the Commission. The Commission shall promulgate rules and procedures 
23 
for this mode of service. 
24 
 
25 
SEC. 32. Innovative Schemes to Improve Efficiency and Management of Systems. -
26 
The Commission shall promote innovative schemes such as the consolidation or 
27 
integration of water supply and sanitation services, or providers in the same service 
28 
area, where it shall result in improved efficiency, service expansion and lower costs. 
29 
 
30 
To this end, the Commission shall establish and issue such rules and 
31 
guidelines as may be necessary to (a) create incentives to encourage efficiency and 
32 
service expansion; (b) establish the standards and targets that service providers are 
33 
required to meet; and (c) define the fines and penalties that shall be imposed for 
34 
failure to meet such standards and targets. 
35 
 
36 
CHAPTER VI 
37 
QUASI-JUDICIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION 
38 
 
39 
SEC. 33. Proceedings Before the Commission. – For the purpose of any 
40 
investigation, inquiry or proceeding, the Commission shall: 
41 
 
42 
a) Issue subpoena duces tecum and subpoena ad testificandum; 
43 
b) Appoint hearing officers to hear and receive evidence on behalf of the 
44 
Commission;  
45 
c) Cite any person or party in contempt for refusal to appear, testify or comply 
46 


 
39 
with an order of the Commission on any matter that is the subject of 
1 
investigation, inquiry or proceeding before the Commission. 
2 
 
3 
SEC. 34. Orders and Decisions of the Commission. – Any order, resolution or 
4 
decision of the Commission shall be promulgated promptly, expeditiously, 
5 
reasonably, and in writing, and shall state clearly and distinctly the facts and law on 
6 
which it is based. 
7 
 
8 
The Commission shall publish and make available for public inspection, all 
9 
decisions and final orders in the adjudication of contested cases or applications. 
10 
 
11 
SEC. 35. Appeals Procedure and Prohibition Against Injunction. –   
12 
 
13 
a) The orders, rulings, and decisions of the Commission are final and executory 
14 
unless appealed to the Court of Appeals within fifteen (15) days from receipt 
15 
of notice of such order, ruling or decision: Provided, That orders, rulings, and 
16 
decisions of the Commission approving tariffs, shall be immediately 
17 
executory and may be suspended only upon appeal and filing of a bond, in 
18 
an amount to be fixed by the Commission, to answer for damages occasioned 
19 
by the suspension or stay of execution of such orders, rulings, and decisions. 
20 
 
21 
b) No injunction may be issued by any court or administrative agency to restrain 
22 
any proceeding before, or the implementation or execution of any order, 
23 
ruling, or decision of the Commission, except on the basis of a question of law 
24 
brought before the Supreme Court on certiorari.  
25 
 
26 
c) Any act or decision of the Commission shall not be invalidated merely because 
27 
of a defect or irregularity in, or in connection with, the appointment or vacancy 
28 
in the Office of the Chairperson or any other member                        of the 
29 
Commission. 
30 
 
31 
 
32 
CHAPTER VII 
33 
INTERDEPARTMENTAL RELATIONS OF THE COMMISSION 
34 
 
35 
SEC. 36. Interface with Other Sector Regulators. – 
36 
a) The DENR shall continue to exercise primary jurisdiction over programs aimed 
37 
at protecting the environment and the quality of water sources from waste and 
38 
pollution, and shall promulgate rules, regulations, and standards in this regard. 
39 
The Department of Health (DOH) shall continue to exercise primary 
40 
jurisdiction in determining and enforcing compliance with standards for 
41 
quality drinking water and sanitation.  
42 
 
43 
b) The Commission shall coordinate with: 
44 
1) The DOH to ensure that the standards and targets for quality drinking 
45 
water and sanitation are consistently complied with; 
46 


 
40 
2) LGUs for development projects relating to water supply and sanitation; 
1 
and  
2 
3) DPWH for flood control and harnessing and impounding of water. 
3 
  
4 
        
5 
SEC. 37. Transfer of Rights and Obligations. – The Commission shall, by virtue 
6 
of this Act, be subrogated to all the rights, and assume all the obligations, of the Water 
7 
Utilities Division of the NWRB, the regulatory offices of MWSS and LWUA, the 
8 
regulatory units of all special economic zones, and all other government agencies and 
9 
units whose powers and functions have been transferred to the Commission. 
10 
 
11 
The transfer of powers and functions to the Department of the concerned 
12 
agencies, as herein provided for, shall be deemed completed within six (6) months 
13 
after the effectivity of this Act. The transfer of powers and functions shall include all 
14 
applicable funds, personnel, records, property and equipment, as may be necessary. 
15 
The same shall apply to agencies which have been attached to the Department by 
16 
virtue of this Act. 
17 
 
18 
All agencies transferred, subsumed and attached to the Department, shall 
19 
continue to function under their present mandates until the six-month transition 
20 
period mandated under this Act shall have lapsed. The heads of the affected agencies 
21 
shall continue to serve until replaced. 
22 
 
23 
All rights and obligations of the affected agencies are hereby transferred to and 
24 
assumed by the Commission, and shall be acted upon in accordance with the rules 
25 
and regulations of the Commission on Audit and other pertinent laws, rules, and 
26 
regulations. 
27 
 
28 
SEC. 38. Absorption or Separation from Service of Employees of the Subrogated 
29 
Agencies. – The current employees of the Water Utilities Division of the NWRB,                    
30 
the regulatory offices of MWSS and LWUA, the regulatory units of all special 
31 
economic zones, and all other government agencies and units whose powers and 
32 
functions have been transferred to the Commission shall enjoy security of tenure, and 
33 
shall be absorbed by the Department, in accordance with their staffing pattern and the 
34 
selection process as prescribed under Republic Act No. 6656 or the Government 
35 
Reorganization Law. 
36 
 
37 
Employees opting to be separated from the service as a consequence of the 
38 
consolidation, and reconstitution under the provisions of this Act, shall within one (1) 
39 
month from their separation or phase out from the service, receive separation benefits 
40 
in accordance with existing laws, and those who are qualified to retire shall be allowed 
41 
to retire and be entitled to all benefits under any of the existing retirement laws. 
42 
 
43 
SEC. 39. Water Trust Fund. – There is hereby created a Water Trust Fund in the 
44 
Bureau of Treasury. All non-tax revenues, including raw water pricing, permit fees, 
45 
registration fees, supervision and regulation enforcement fees, filing fees, testing fees, 
46 


 
41 
and other service income from the use of water resources shall be remitted to the 
1 
Water Trust Fund. The trust fund shall be accounted separately from the 
2 
government’s general revenues and shall be automatically appropriated to the 
3 
Department.  Proceeds from the trust fund shall be exclusively utilized for water 
4 
development, water sanitation and waste water treatment and management, and 
5 
water sustainability programs and projects authorized under this Act: Provided, That 
6 
a maximum of ten percent (10%) of the total income generated from raw water 
7 
extraction shall be given as share of the concerned LGU or indigenous peoples (IP) 
8 
community who own the specific areas or land where the raw water was sourced. 
9 
 
10 
 
11 
CHAPTER VIII 
12 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
13 
 
14 
 
SEC. 40. Applicability of Ease of Doing Business Law. – The prescribed processing 
15 
time provided under Section 9.b of Republic Act No. 11032, otherwise known as the 
16 
Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, shall be 
17 
applicable to all agencies and LGUs covered under this Act particularly on accessing 
18 
government services. 
19 
 
20 
SEC. 41. Transitory Provisions. – Performance audit of all water-related agencies 
21 
and institutions, including but not limited to LWUA and water districts, MWSS, 
22 
MWSS-RO and its concessionaires, LGU-run utilities, Tourism Infrastructure and 
23 
Enterprise Zone Authority, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Bases Conversion 
24 
and Development Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, DILG, and NIA, shall 
25 
be conducted by the Department. 
26 
 
27 
SEC. 42. Appropriations. – The amount necessary to cover the initial 
28 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations 
29 
of the agencies and offices transferred and subsumed by the Department and the 
30 
Commission in the General Appropriations Act (GAA). Thereafter, such sums as may 
31 
be necessary for the continued implementation of the Act shall be included in the 
32 
annual GAA. 
33 
 
34 
SEC. 43. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within one hundred eighty (180) 
35 
days from the effectivity of this Act, the Department, NEDA, DBM, DENR, CSC, in 
36 
consultation with the concerned government agencies, shall promulgate rules and 
37 
regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.  
38 
 
39 
SEC. 44. Separability Clause. – If any reason, any portion or provision of this Act 
40 
shall be held unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected 
41 
thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
42 
  
43 
SEC. 45. Repealing Clause. –  
44 
(a) The following provisions are hereby repealed: 
45 
 
46 


 
42 
1) Section 3 (h) and Section 12 on the provision with respect to fixing of water 
1 
rates and sanitation service fees, Section 3 (n) on the provision with respect 
2 
to regulation of waterworks an deep wells, and Section 3 (p) on the 
3 
provision with respect to the regulation of waterworks and sanitation 
4 
systems in privately owned subdivisions of Republic Act 6234 entitled, An 
5 
Act Creating The Metropolitan Waterworks And Sewerage System And Dissolving 
6 
The National Waterworks And Sewerage Authority, And For Other Purposes, as 
7 
amended; 
8 
 
9 
2) Title III on Local Water Utilities Administration Law of Presidential 
10 
Decree No. 198 otherwise known as the Provincial Water Utilities Act of 
11 
1973, as amended by Letter of Instruction No. 700 - Providing Measures To 
12 
Control And Regulate Increase In Water Rates, Letter of Instruction No. 744 - 
13 
Relative To Reliable Water Supply At Reasonable Rates In The Countryside, 
14 
Executive Order No. 124, 30 January 1987 -  Reorganization Act of the 
15 
Ministry of Public Works and Highways, Executive Order No. 123, 30 January 
16 
1987 -  Reorganization Act of Ministry of Social Services and Development; 
17 
 
18 
3) Republic Act No. 3601 as amended by Presidential Decree No. 552 and 
19 
Presidential Decree No. 1702 pertaining to the creation of the National 
20 
Irrigation Administration; 
21 
 
22 
4) Section 1 of Executive Order No. 124-A, s. 1987 Amending Executive Order 
23 
No. 124, dated 30 January 1987, Reorganizing the Department of Public Works 
24 
and Highways, Redefining Its Powers and Functions, and For Other Purposes on 
25 
renaming and reorganizing the National Water Resources Council into the 
26 
National Water Resources Board.  
27 
 
28 
(b) The following provisions are hereby amended accordingly: 
29 
 
30 
1) Section 3 paragraph 3 of Commonwealth Act No. 146, as amended, 
31 
otherwise known as the Public Service Act, pertaining to all cases involving 
32 
the fixing of rates; 
33 
2)  Section 154, Article V, Chapter I, Title One, Book II of Republic Act No. 
34 
7160, as amended, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, 
35 
and its implementing rules and regulations on the power of the local 
36 
government units to fix the rates of water utilities owned, operated and 
37 
maintained by them within their jurisdiction;   
38 
3) Section 13 (b) on the regulation of enterprises within the Economic Zone 
39 
under Republic Act No. 7916, as amended, otherwise known as the Special 
40 
Economic Zone Act of 1995;  
41 
4) Section 69 of Republic Act No. 9593 otherwise known as the Tourism Act of 
42 
2009 and its implementing rules and regulations which mandate the 
43 
Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority to grant franchises, 
44 
supervise the operation of public utilities, and register, monitor and 
45 
regulate enterprises within Tourism Enterprise Zones; 
46 


 
43 
5) Sections 7 and 8 on the adjudication of water pollution cases under Republic 
1 
Act No. 3931 entitled An Act Creating the National Water and Air Pollution 
2 
Control Commission, particularly with respect to Section 6 (e), (f), (g), (j), and 
3 
(k) of Presidential Decree No. 984 entitled, Providing for the Revision of 
4 
Republic Act NO. 3931, Commonly Known as the Pollution Control Law, and For 
5 
Other Purposes; 
6 
6) Sections 4 (1) and 7 of Republic Act No. 9275, otherwise known as the 
7 
Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004; 
8 
7) Articles 3(d) and 79 of Presidential Decree No. 1067, otherwise known as 
9 
The Water Code of the Philippines; 
10 
8) Sections 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13, Chapter II of Presidential Decree No. 856, 
11 
otherwise known as the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines; and 
12 
9) Section 3.2(b) of Executive Order No. 149, series of 1993 transferring the 
13 
Laguna Lake Development Authority from the Office of the President to the 
14 
Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 
15 
   
16 
All other laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, presidential 
17 
proclamations, rules and regulations, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with 
18 
the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly. 
19 
 
20 
SEC. 46. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
21 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
22 
 
23 
Approved, 
24 
 
25