TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
25 J'JL -8 n5 :06
SENATE
Senate Bill No.
243
Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT
MANDATING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A RAINWATER 
HARVESTING FACILITY FOR THE MANAGEMENT, MAINTENANCE, 
REGULATION, AND UTILIZATION OF RAINWATER RUNOFF, 
IMPROVEMENT OF ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF 
CATCHMENTS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Rainwater harvesting systems provide a sustainable approach to addressing the 
dual challenges of water scarcity and flooding around the world. By collecting and 
storing rainwater from roofs, roads, or other catchment areas, these systems reduce 
pressure on conventional water sources while also helping to manage runoff. 
Additionally, they play a key role in mitigating the effects of climate change, such as 
droughts and extreme weather events, by offering decentralized water supply.1
Many countries have successfully implemented rainwater harvesting programs, 
proving their practical benefits on a national scale. Singapore, for instance, has made 
rainwater harvesting a key component of its water management strategy through the 
"Four National Taps" approach. This involves a comprehensive network of drains, 
canals, and rivers that collects rainwater and directs it to reservoirs for treatment to 
become potable water, greatly contributing to Singapore's water self-sufficiency.2 
Similarly, in Australia, many households use rainwater tanks to supply water for 
gardening, flushing toilets, and even drinking, reducing reliance on municipal water 
supply and cutting utility bills.3
1 
The Renewable Energy Hub UK. Benefits of Rainwater Collection. 04 September 2024. Available at 
https://www.renewableenergyhub.co.uk/main/rainwater-harvesting-information/benefits-of-rainwater- 
collection (Accessed on 25 June 2025).
2 
Public Utilities Board (PUB), Singapore's National Water Agency. Singapore Water Story - Water from Local 
Catchment. Available at https://www.pub.gov.sg/Public/WaterLoop/OurWaterStory/Local-Catchment-Water# 
(Accessed on 25 June 2025).
3 
Australian Government - Your Home. Rainwater. Available at https://www.yourhome.gov.au/water/rainwater 
(Accessed on 25 June 2025).
1


Drawing from the experience of these countries, the Philippines can also adopt 
proven rainwater harvesting practices as a strategic response to its ongoing struggles 
with flooding and water insecurity. The country experiences intense rains and over 20 
typhoons annually, with an average annual rainfall of 2,348 millimeters.4 However, 
poor urban drainage, deforestation, and unregulated development contribute to 
flooding in many areas, affecting transportation, health, and livelihoods. By collecting 
and treating rainwater before it overwhelms drainage systems, communities can 
reduce the risk of floods and simultaneously secure a reliable water source, as 
according to the United Nations, 53% of households in the Philippines lack access to 
clean water and 39% do not have safe sanitation.5
This measure seeks to achieve that as well as address the critical issue of 
ecological sustainability in the country, particularly in Metro Manila. By mandating the 
construction of rainwater harvesting facilities in new developments, this bill promotes 
the efficient use of rainwater for non-potable purposes such as irrigation, firefighting, 
and construction, while also allowing for technological innovations to make rainwater 
potable.
Furthermore, this measure establishes clear guidelines, technical standards, and 
responsibilities for both developers and government agencies, ensuring that rainwater 
harvesting systems are properly designed, constructed, and maintained. It also 
includes incentives for retrofitting existing structures and investing in innovative 
technologies, encouraging wider adoption of sustainable practices.
Ultimately, this bill is envisioned to offer a solution to two pressing national 
issues: flooding and water scarcity. With proper implementation, rainwater harvesting 
systems can help mitigate flood risks, conserve water resources, and ensure reliable 
access to water in both urban and rural areas, turning a natural hazard into an 
opportunity for resilience and sustainability.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
ILLANUEVA
4 
World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal. Philippines Country Profile. Available at 
https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/countrY/philippines/climate-data-historical (Accessed on 25 
June 2025).
5 
Planet Water Foundation, citing UN data. Water and Sanitation Issues in the Philippines. Available at 
https://planet-water.org/where-we-operate/philippines (Accessed on 25 June 2025).


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
25 J'JL -8 ?5 ^06
Senate Bill No. ^43
Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT
MANDATING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A RAINWATER 
HARVESTING FACILITY FOR THE MANAGEMENT, MAINTENANCE, 
REGULATION, AND UTILIZATION OF RAINWATER RUNOFF, 
IMPROVEMENT OF ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF 
CATCHMENTS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Rainwater Harvesting
2 
Facility Act"
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the declared policy of the State to protect
4 
the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology and advance the health
5 
and welfare of its citizens in accordance with the rhythm and harmony of nature.
6 
Pursuant thereto, the government and all its instrumentalities shall systematically
7 
integrate the concept of climate change in the various phases of policy formulation,
8 
development planning, and in drawing up and implementing poverty reduction
9 
strategies and innovations that provide beneficial effects to the greatest number of
10 
people with the least cost and negative externalities.
11 
In this light, and given the demands of a growing population, the State shall
12 
adopt measures and strategies in order to efficiently conserve water and help attain
13 
water security. Among other strategies for water conservation, rainwater harvesting
14 
facilities shall be established not only to conserve the supply of potable faucet water


1 
but also to prevent flooding in communities that sometimes result in devastating
2 
effects on human life and property. Both the public and private sectors are urged to
3 
actively participate in flood mitigating efforts and initiatives of the government.
4 
The State recognizes Metro Manila as one of the densest areas in the country.
5 
To mitigate the adverse effects of continuing growth in population and human
6 
settlements, the State shall ensure that Metro Manila local governments are
7 
capacitated to respond to threats brought by natural calamities and disasters such as
8 
massive flooding. Towards this end, the State shall mandate the construction of
9 
rainwater harvesting facilities in all new public and private commercial, institutional,
10 
industrial, and residential developments in Metro Manila which will serve as a pilot
11 
area from which other similar areas can learn. Pursuant thereto, owners and
12 
developers of all new public and private realty development projects in Metro Manila
13 
requiring the issuance of building permits are mandated to design and construct a
14 
rainwater harvesting facility to prevent or delay the release of rainwater and runoff
15 
water into the public drainage systems, creeks, and natural waterways.
16 
Sec. 3. Purpose. - This Act seeks to establish minimum rainwater management
17 
requirements and controls to protect and safeguard the general health, safety, and
18 
welfare of the public. This Act pursues the following objectives:
19 
a) Minimize increase in rainwater runoff from any development, both existing and
20 
proposed, in order to reduce flooding, siltation, increases in stream temperature,
21 
and stream bank erosion and maintain the integrity of stream channels;
22 
b) Minimize increase in non-point source pollution caused by rainwater runoff
23 
developments which would otherwise degrade local water quality;
24 
c) Minimize the annual volume of surface water runoff that flows from any specific
25 
site during and following development to not exceed the pre-development
26 
hydrologic regime to the maximum extent practicable; and
27 
d) Reduce rainwater runoff rates and volumes, soil erosion, and non-point source
28 
pollution, wherever possible, through rainwater management controls and
29 
ensure that these management controls are properly maintained and pose no
30 
threat to public safety.
31 
Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:


a)
b)
c)
d)
1 
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12 
e)
13
14 
f)
15
16 
g)
17
18 
h)
i)
19
20 
21 
22
23 
j)
24
25
26
27
28
29
30 
I)
31
k)
Applicant- refers to a property owner or agent who has filed an application for 
a rainwater management permit;
Building- refers to any structure built for the support, shelter, or enclosure of 
persons, animals, chattels, or moveable property of any kind and which is 
permanently affixed to the land;
Building Official- refers to a local building official as appointed or designated 
pursuant to Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1096 or the National Building Code of 
the Phiiippines (NBCP);
Certificate of Occupancy - refers to the permit issued by the zoning officer 
indicating that the use of the building or land is in conformity with the zoning 
ordinance or that there has been a legal variance therefrom;
Channel - refers to a natural or artificial watercourse with definite bed and 
banks that conducts flowing water continuously or periodically;
Contour interval - refers to the vertical distance between the elevations 
represented by adjacent contour lines on a map;
Contour line - refers to a line on a map or chart connecting all points of the 
same elevation or depth in a particular area;
Dedication - refers to the deliberate appropriation of property by its owner for 
generai public use;
Detention - refers to a rainwater management practice of temporarily storing 
rainwater runoff to control the peak discharge rate and to induce settling of 
pollutants through gravity;
Deveioper- refers to a person or entity who undertakes land disturbance or 
development activities. A developer may only be contracted to develop and may 
or may not be the owner of the development, such as a building structure being 
built;
Development- refers to any man-made change to improved or unimproved 
real estate, including buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, 
grading, paving, excavation, or drilling operation;
Flood frequency — refers to a record of past flood events or occurrences that 
yield flood data estimates used principally to compare expected changes in flood


m)
n)
0)
P)
1 
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10 
11 
12
13
14 
q)
15
16
17
18
19
20 
r)
21 
22
23
24
25
26 
t)
27
28
29
30
31
s)
u)
damage with economic and social costs or benefits guiding a contemplated 
action;
Hotspot - refers to an area where land use or activities generate highly 
contaminated runoff, with concentrations of pollutants in excess of those 
typically found in rainwater;
Hydrologic regime - refers to the quantity and dynamics of water flow or the 
variations in the state and characteristics of a water body depending on location 
and time of the year, which may occur in regular patterns;
Infiltration- refers to the process of percolating or gradually filtering rainwater 
into the subsoil;
Infiltration facility - refers to any structure or device designed to infiltrate 
water into the subsurface. These facilities may be above ground or below 
ground;
Land disturbance - refers to any activity which changes the volume or peak 
flow discharge rate of rainfall from the land surface. This may include grading, 
digging, cutting, scraping, or excavating of soil, placement of fill materials, 
paving, construction, substantial removal of vegetation, or any activity which 
bares soil or rock or involves the diversion or piping of any natural or man-made 
watercourse;
Landowner- refers to the legal or beneficial owner of the land, including those 
holding the right to purchase or lease the land, or any other person holding 
proprietary rights over the iand;
Offsite facility- refers to a rainwater management installation located outside 
the subject property boundary described in the permit application for land 
development activity;
Onsite facility - refers to a rainwater management installation located within 
the subject property boundary described in the permit application for land 
development activity;
Rainwater Design Manuai- refers to the Planning and Design Manual for the 
Control of Erosion, Sediment, and Rainwater written by the Department of Public 
Works and Highways (DPWH);


1 
v) 
Rainwater Harvesting Faciiity - refers to a flood control structure such as
2 
vertical detention tank, horizontal water tank, open retarding basin, and multi-
3 
water catchment area or an onsite regulation pond used to prevent or delay the
4 
release of rainwater into the public drainage system;
5 
w) Rainwater management - refers to the use of structural or non-structural
6 
practices that are designed to reduce rainwater runoff pollutant loads and
7 
discharge volumes and/or peak flow discharge rates;
8 
x) 
Rainwater retrofit- refers to a rainwater management practice designed for
9 
an existing development site that had not implemented rainwater management
10 
measures, or had previously implemented measures that were inadequate to
11 
meet the rainwater management requirements of the site;
12 
y) Rainwater runoff- refers to water flow on the surface of the ground, resulting
13 
from precipitation;
14 
z) 
Rainwater treatment - refers to a process by which collected rainwater is
15 
filtered or cleaned through either structural or non-structural means to prevent
16 
or reduce point source or non-point source pollution inputs to rainwater runoff
17 
and water bodies, as well as to upgrade rainwater for reuse;
18 
aa) Recharge- refers to the replenishment of underground water reserves;
19 
bb) Redeveiopment - refers to any construction, alteration, or improvement
20 
exceeding one hundred (100) square meters in high-density areas where existing
21 
land use is for commercial, industrial, institutional, or multi-family residential
22 
purposes;
23 
cc) Stop Work Order- refers to an issuance that requires the discontinuance or
24 
stoppage, in part or whole, of the construction activity on a site due to a violation
25 
of the; and
26 
dd) Watercourse - refers to a permanent or intermittent stream or other body of
27 
water, either natural or man-made, which gathers or carries surface.
28 
Sec. 5. Rainwater Harvesting Faciiity Requirement - A project owner or
29 
developer of a new commercial, institutional, industrial, or residential development
30 
project in Metro Manila, with a building footprint area of at least one hundred (100)
31 
square meters that requires the issuance of a building permit, shall reserve, develop.


1 
and maintain a rainwater harvesting facility with a minimum storage tank size in cubic
2 
meters calculated by dividing the building footprint area by 75.
3 
The owner or developer of an ongoing development project in Metro Manila that
4 
has no existing provision for rainwater harvesting shall build a facility within a period
5 
of three (3) years from the effectivity of this Act, or suffer the penalty imposed in
6 
Section 13 hereof.
7 
When additions, alterations, conversions, and renovations of an existing building
8 
constructed after the effectivity of this Act fit within the minimum building footprint,
9 
the whole building shall be subject to the applicable provisions of this Act.
10 
To conserve potable water, rainwater collected by a harvesting facility may be
11 
used for non-potable and suitable purposes, such as gardening and air-cooling
12 
processes, provided through a distinct and separate piping system from the potable
13 
water supply system. The landowner or developer may opt to utilize a system or
14 
technology that can recycle collected rainwater for potable uses such as bathing,
15 
dishwashing, or cooking, provided it meets the water quality standard of any
16 
government water agency or duly accredited water testing center.
17 
Sec. 6. Requirements for Rainwater Management Plan. - All landowners
18 
or developers of proposed commercial, industrial, or residential development or any
19 
residential multi-dwelling units of more than one thousand (1,000) square meters land
20 
area must submit a Rainwater Management Plan (RMP) as part of the site development
21 
application and approval process.
22 
The RMP shall include the following information:
23 
a) Description of Existing Conditions. - The description of existing conditions in the
24 
location of the development site shall be shown on a map. It shall include:
25 
(1) Topographic map with 1.0-meter minimum contour line or an appropriate
26 
contour interval of the land proposed for development or redevelopment;
27 
(2) Location natural waterways including banks and centerline of streams and
28 
channels;
29 
(3) Normal shoreline, coastlines, outline of lakes, natural depressions, and
30 
ponds, including drainage flow lines; and
31 
(4) Quantification of flows (discharge and volume) in their natural condition.


1 
b) Proposed Site Development Plan (SDP). - The proponent shall provide a SDP in
2 
an appropriate scale and size showing the following:
3 
(1) Retention/detention basins and lines of inflow and outflow;
4 
(2) The location, size, and slope of rainwater conduits and drainage swales;
5 
(3) Rain, sanitary, and combined sewer outfalls;
6 
(4) Delineation of upstream and downstream drainage features and
7 
watersheds which might be affected by the development; and
8 
(5) Other environmental features including limits of wetland areas, green
9 
buffers, planting strips, and any designated natural areas for rainwater
10 
management.
11 
c) Description of the Proposed Rainwater Management System (RMS). - The
12 
proposed RMS shall be designed to safely and completely manage rainwater
13 
runoff onsite or offsite, provide facility to regulate the increased rainwater runoff,
14 
and help maintain the natural hydrologic cycle and condition of flow in a locality.
15 
The purpose of the RMS is to reduce the risk of downstream flooding by reducing
16 
the amount of runoff and regulating the discharge release at a given time.
17 
The proposed RMS shall be accompanied by hydrologic and hydraulic
18 
calculations to adequately demonstrate the effectiveness of the plan. It shall be
19 
designed to meet the desired flood frequency which is designated to a particular
20 
drainage structure as stated in the Rainwater Design Manual of the DPWH:
21 
Provided, That a 25-year flood frequency or higher may be required for major
22 
rivers and waterways, subject to the design criteria in Section 9 of this Act.
23 
The RMP shall be accompanied by relevant information such as rainfall data in a
24 
locality, maps, and other descriptive material to include the following:
25 
(1) The extent of catchment and drainage channels onsite, and direction of the
26 
flow of the channels including the final outfall of the discharge from the
27 
site;
28 
(2) Hydrologic and hydraulic design calculations for the pre-development and
29 
post-development conditions of a RMS as required under Section 9 hereof.
30 
The calculations for determining peak flows include a description of storm
31 
frequency, intensity, duration, time of concentration, soil curve number or
32 
runoff coefficients, peak runoff rates and total runoff volumes, infiltration


1 
rates, culvert capacities, flow velocities, data on the increase in rate, and
2 
volume of runoff for the design storm; and
3 
(3) Technical specifications of the Proposed RMS, providing descriptions of
4 
proposed rainwater conveyance practices onsite, existing offsite rainwater
5 
conveyance systems including receiving streams, channels, and outfall and
6 
inlet locations, and elevations of locations and high-water elevations.
7 
Sec. 7. Chemicals, Effluents, and Other Contaminants. - Prior to the
8 
issuance of a building permit for their development or re-development, all industrial
9 
plants and estates shall secure the appropriate certification from the Department of
10 
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that all chemicals used in their operations,
11 
their by-products, effluents, and other operational discharges do not contain harmful
12 
contaminants that can be washed by or into the rainwater.
13 
The type of roofing must also be identified and assessed if used for collecting
14 
rainwater as some roofing materials may seep chemicals that can cause adverse
15 
effects if ingested, used in irrigation, fishponds, and groundwater recharge, among
16 
others.
17 
Sec. 8. Utilization of Rainwater. - Rainwater shall be harvested for the
18 
following uses:
19 
a) Rainwater for rural irrigation. - Agriculture in the Philippines is predominantly
20 
rainfed. Rainwater catchments thus hold significant potential for improvement of
21 
rainwater use efficiency and sustainment of rainfed and upland agriculture in the
22 
country.
23 
b) 
Rainwater for urban irrigation. - Most of the urban centers are currently
24 
dependent on Class A water quality for irrigation supply which is costly and
25 
environmentally unsustainable. Utilization of Class A water for yard irrigation
26 
shall be minimized if not prohibited. Instead, rainwater shall be utilized for such
27 
purposes. The irrigation water shall come from the rainwater detention system.
28 
Rainwater as a source for urban irrigation and/or watering of lawns shall
29 
be indicated in all development plans. A secondary source of water for irrigation
30 
may also come from treated greywater from the effluent of the treatment facility.
31 
c) 
Rainwater for groundwater recharge. - The RMS is intended mainly to ensure
32 
the natural balance of the hydrologic cycle by allowing rainwater to recharge the
8


1 
groundwater table that sustains the yield and production of deep wells.
2 
Groundwater table recharging may be in the form of the following management
3 
systems:
4 
(1) Lagoon or retention pond that allows for natural seepage to the
5 
groundwater aquifer;
6 
(2) 
Swales and depression storage;
7 
(3) 
Porous or paver blocks on some developed areas; and
8 
(4) 
Retention channels.
9 
The sizes and dimensions of any of the above facilities shall be dependent
10 
on the rainfall intensity and the size of the development.
11 
d) 
Rainwater for firefighting. - Rainwater may substitute or augment the firefighting
12 
requirement, subject to health and corrosion standards. A separate storage tank
13 
for the fire water reserve shall be constructed. Other laws concerning the
14 
requirement of water for firefighting shall be considered.
15 
e) Rainwater for construction. - Simple filtration systems and other applicable
16 
methods to remove suspended solids and other coarse materials 
may be
17 
employed to improve water quality and avert adverse effects on construction
18 
equipment and the environment.
19 
f) Rainwater for other non-potable water supply. - Rainwater shall be subjected to
20 
primary and secondary treatment to make it a viable secondary source for the
21 
following purposes:
22 
(1) 
Washing of cars, floor yards;
23 
(2) Flushing of the toilet (water quality shall meet certain standards to avoid
24 
discoloration of fixtures); and
25 
(3) Fishponds, aquariums, and the like.
26 
g) 
Rainwater for potable uses. - To make it potable, rainwater may be collected,
27 
processed, subjected to filtering innovations or technological interventions, and
28 
used for drinking, cooking, dishwashing, and bathing, subject to water standards.
29 
Potable water quality shall at all times comply with the requirements and
30 
standards of the Philippine National Standard for Drinking Water (PNSDW).
31 
h) 
Rainwater for ecological requirements. - Seasonal fluctuation of rainfall affects
32 
the rain flora and fauna of waterways. Rainwater runoff shall therefore be


1 
managed properly to allow the steady release of water to waterways, ensuring
2 
the continued supply of water.
3 
Sec. 9. Preparation of the Rainwater Design Manuai. - The DPWH shall
4 
prepare the Rainwater Design Manual (RDM) which must provide, among others,
5 
information on the following: (1) conveyance systems of the rainwater harvesting
6 
facility; (2) make of the rainwater retention facility; (3) management of rainwater
7 
discharge to control flooding; (4) protection of the local water bodies from pollution
8 
through rainwater discharge treatment; (5) dike or bank protection for water bodies
9 
receiving rainwater discharge; and (6) utilization options for collected rainwater.
10 
The RDM shall contain the following guidelines:
11 
a) 
All sites shall establish a RMS to control the peak flow rates of rainwater
12 
discharge and to allow the RMS facility to treat collected rainwater for both water
13 
quality and quantity. Peak post-construction rainwater runoff shall not exceed
14 
peak pre-construction rainwater runoff from the site to the greatest extent
15 
possible;
16 
b) All rainwater runoff generated from any development shall not discharge
17 
untreated rainwater directly into a jurisdictional wetland or local water body
18 
without adequate treatment;
19 
c) 
Structural and non-structural Rainwater Treatment System (RTS) shall be
20 
designed to treat the first 20 millimeters of rainwater runoff. Thus, for every one
21 
(1) hectare of new development, a 200 cubic meter detention or retention tank
22 
shall be constructed to minimize flooding and improve water quality. Sanitary
23 
wastewater treatment facilities shall be designed and installed to comply with
24 
existing health regulations and meet the effluent standard of the DENR;
25 
d) 
Untreated sanitary waste shall not be discharged to waterways and land surfaces
26 
without proper treatment and shall not come in contact with rainwater runoff.
27 
The discharge of treated effluent to water bodies shall be in accordance with the
28 
river classification. For unclassified rivers and watercourses, effluents shall meet
29 
the Class C water category. To be discharged to an urban drainage system,
30 
effluents shall meet the Class D water category. In all cases, the prescription by
31 
the DENR shall be followed;
10


1 
e) To protect stream channels from degradation, the velocity of runoff water shall
2 
be limited to less than 1.0 m/s, otherwise, bank protection shall be provided;
3 
f) 
Rainwater discharges to critical areas with sensitive resources, including shellfish
4 
beds, swimming areas, water supply reservoirs, and groundwater recharge
5 
areas, may be subject to additional performance criteria and management
6 
restrictions;
7 
g) Rainwater discharges from land uses or activities with higher potential pollutant
8 
loadings, known as "hotspots," must be in accordance with the specific structural
9 
and pollution prevention practices;
10 
h) 
Rainwater storage and drainage systems must be secured from mosquito
11 
breeding and those of other similar insects that may endanger public health;
12 
i) 
Prior to design, applicants must consult with the Building Official to determine if
13 
they are subject to additional rainwater design requirements; and
14 
j) For existing development or developed areas, the RMS requirement may be
15 
imposed on the following conditions:
16 
(1) The owners of existing or old developments shall submit to the concerned
17 
Building Official the technical design of existing RMS to demonstrate its
18 
contribution to flood control and mitigation and the rainwater management
19 
program;
20 
(2) The total required storage volume of rainwater may be the cumulative
21 
volume stored from various sources such as cistern, lagoon onsite or offsite,
22 
and depression storage; and
23 
(3) At least 50% of the required volume shall be met within five (5) years from
24 
the effectivity of this Act.
25 
The DPWH, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development
26 
(DHSUD), DENR, and local government units (LGUs) shall require the incorporation of
27 
a RMS in the design of all new commercial, institutional, industrial, and residential
28 
development projects in Metro Manila. The LGUs shall ensure that these facilities are
29 
built during the construction phase of the projects.
30 
In formulating the Design Manual, the DPWH shall consult the experts or the
31 
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and DENR on requirements that entail
32 
scientific bases or study.
11


1 
Sec. 10. Construction Inspection. -
2 
a) The applicant must notify the concerned Building Official in advance before the
3 
commencement of construction;
4 
b) 
All applicants for commercial and multi-family residential buildings over four (4)
5 
units are required to submit actual drawings of rainwater management facilities
6 
located onsite after final construction is completed. The rainwater facility plan
7 
must show the final design specification for all rainwater management facilities
8 
and must be certified by a licensed engineer. A final inspection is required before
9 
the release of any performance security, performance bond, or guarantee
10 
between the owner or developer and the contractor or builder;
11 
c) 
The City or Municipal Engineer shall inspect all drainage facilities while under
12 
construction. When facilities are not constructed according to approved plans,
13 
the LGU shall require the project owner or developer to make the necessary
14 
corrections. All drainage facilities located on private property, whether dedicated
15 
to the LGU or not, shall be accessible at all times for inspection by the City or
16 
Municipal Engineer or other responsible public official; and
17 
d) 
The City or Municipal Engineer shall inspect all sanitary waste treatment facilities
18 
while under construction and upon completion to ensure proper installation and
19 
connection to wastewater collection systems when applicable. Proper function of
20 
sanitary waste treatment facilities is required prior to final approval and issuance
21 
of a Certificate of Occupancy.
22 
Any contracted architect or civil engineer employed by the owner or developer
23 
to plan and supervise the construction of the facility shall not be precluded from
24 
inspecting the construction work to check and determine compliance with the plans
25 
and specifications of the building, pursuant to the provisions under Inspection and
26 
Supervision of Work or Section 308 of the NBCP.
27 
Sec. 11. Maintenance and Repair of Rainwater Facilities. - The owner or
28 
developer is expected to perform regular maintenance and repair of the rainwater
29 
facility whenever necessary to ensure that it is in working condition and safe for public
30 
use and the environment. At the minimum, the following must be undertaken: (1)
31 
visual inspection and cleaning of the facility after major rain events; (2) regular
12


1 
clearing of all sediments, silts, and debris; (3) drainage cleanup; and (4) replacement
2 
of filters and insect screens as necessary.
3 
In addition, the owner or developer shall comply with the following requirements:
4 
a) 
All rainwater management facilities must undergo a yearly or regular inspection
5 
process at a frequency sufficient to determine the functioning ability of the
6 
conveyance system and any repair needs. This shall include inspection prior to
7 
the beginning of typhoon season or prior to any forecasted major rains that may
8 
equal the design requirements, and after any major rain events;
9 
b) 
All drainage and sanitary waste treatment facilities located on private property,
10 
whether dedicated to the LGU or not, shall be accessible at all times for inspection
11 
by the City or Municipal Engineer or other responsible public officials, especially
12 
when there is reason to suspect that a malfunction has resulted in rainwater
13 
runoff pollution by unsanitary waste;
14 
c) Depending on the type of facility, mosquito or insect screens must be replaced
15 
as necessary to avoid infestation or breeding ground for pathogens;
16 
d) 
Parties responsible for the operation and maintenance of a rainwater
17 
management facility shall make records of the installation, maintenance, and
18 
repairs and shall retain these records for at least five years. These records shall
19 
be made available to the city or municipality during inspection of the facility and
20 
other reasonable times upon request; and
21 
e) 
The Building Official shall notify the owner of a rainwater facility in writing that
22 
maintenance work is required. The owner shall have sixty (60) days from the
23 
receipt of such written notice to bring the facility into proper working order.
24 
Sec. 12. Reportoria! Requirements. - The DPWH shall require the owner or
25 
developer of all new commercial, institutional, industrial, and residential development
26 
projects to submit a compliance report within twelve (12) months from the date of the
27 
completion of the project.
28 
The DPWH shall henceforth require the building owners covered under Sections
29 
5 and 6 of this Act to submit an annual report of the performance of such rainwater
30 
retention facility which may include information on the total volume of retained
31 
rainwater and its utilization.
32 
Sec. 13. Enforcement and Penalties.-
13


1 
a) Any person found to be in violation of any of the provisions of this Act shall be
2 
guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be penalized with a fine not to exceed Fifty
3 
Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) or imprisonment of no more than ninety (90) days,
4 
or both. A continuance of a violation without reasonable effort on the part of the
5 
violator to correct the same shall constitute a new and separate offense each
6 
day.
7 
b) In the case of a partnership, association, corporation, or any juridical person, the
8 
penalty shall be imposed upon the president, treasurer, or any other officer or
9 
person responsible for the violation.
10 
c) If the offender is a foreigner, the foreigner shall be deported immediately without
11 
further proceedings after payment of the fine.
12 
d) If the concerned Building Official shall find that any provision of this Act is
13 
violated, the person responsible for such violation shall be notified in writing,
14 
indicating the nature of the violation and ordering the action necessary to correct
15 
it. Among those actions which he/she may be ordered is discontinuance of any
16 
construction on site.
17 
Sec. 14. Incentives. - Landowners or developers of existing structures built
18 
prior to the implementation of this Act who shall opt to install a rainwater harvesting
19 
system or a rainwater retrofit in accordance with this Act shall receive a realty tax
20 
incentive from the LGU concerned which may be in the form of a tax discount of not
21 
less than three percent (3%) per annum over and above the regular discount provided
22 
by the LGU. An additional two percent (2%) tax discount per annum shall be granted
23 
to those who invest in any innovation or technology that recycles collected rainwater
24 
for potable uses within the standards prescribed by law.
25 
Sec. 15. Obligation of the Regulatory Agencies. - The DPWH, DENR,
26 
DOST, LG Us, their sub-agencies, and subsidiaries are mandated to provide full
27 
assistance to every project owner or developer covered under this Act in order that
28 
the requirements and standards prescribed herein may be properly executed in the
29 
design and construction of rainwater harvesting facilities. Agency assistance shall
30 
include proper advice, technical guidance, provision for needed data, and facilitation
31 
of required documents. As much as practicable, all technical and documentation
14


1 
requirements must be at zero to minimal cost to the applicant project owner or
2 
developer who shall establish, manage, and maintain a rainwater harvesting facility.
3 
Sec. 16. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days
4 
from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of Public Works and Highways shall, in
5 
coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of the Interior and Local
6 
Government, Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, Secretary of Human
7 
Settlements and Urban Development, and Secretary of Science and Technology,
8 
promulgate the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the effective
9 
implementation of this Act. The IRR shall include the standards and guidelines for the
10 
design, construction, installation, materials, site selection and planning, site-specific
11 
considerations, and maintenance of the rainwater harvesting facility.
12 
Failure of the relevant government agencies to promulgate the IRR within the
13 
specified period shall subject the heads of these government agencies to
14 
administrative penalties under applicable civil service laws.
15 
Should the IRR contain provisions that are contrary to this Act, the heads of the
16 
government agencies responsible for such provision, when done in bad faith or with
17 
gross negligence, shall be held administratively liable.
18 
SEC. 17. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is
19 
declared unconstitutional, the remainder hereof or any provisions not affected thereby
20 
shall remain in force and effect.
21 
SEC. 18. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
22 
executive order, letter of instruction, rule, or regulation inconsistent with the
23 
provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
24 
SEC. 19. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
25 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
15