TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
f- \V T-
liMfit.' of 
t-'T
25 JULIO P6M0
SENATE
S.B. No.
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
CREATING THE WATER RESOURCES AND MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY, 
DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution provides that, "The State shall 
protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness 
among them." Access to clean water is a basic human right. It is crucial in the 
sustenance of man and is used in almost every industry such as in irrigation, power 
generation, livestock raising, and fisheries, among others.
According to a study funded by the US Agency for International Development 
(USAID), every single major city in the Philippines is expected to face some form of 
water shortage by 2025, prompting calls from environment advocates for the 
implementation of a nationwide water demand management program.
With the onslaught of the pandemic in 2019, water, more than ever, proved 
to be the most essential public utility in promoting health and cleanliness. The 
cursory and forgotten habit of hand-washing has never been this critical, in certain 
instances in fact a matter of life and death.
However, many Filipinos still do not have access to clean water. Some 40 
million lack access to formal water resources in the Philippines, according to a 2024 
report from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Many 
remain dependent on rainwater, rivers or creeks for their daily needs - highlighting 
the urgent need to address the problem of water access in the country.
The management of water resources in the country used to be an exclusive 
function of the government through the Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System 
(MWSS) and its predecessors. Many laws have since been promulgated to address 
the water crisis, including the enactment of Republic Act No. 8041 or the "National 
Water Crisis Act of 1995" which recognized the need for the government to address 
the nationwide water management problem.


In March 1996, Executive Order No. 311 was issued by President Fidel V. 
Ramos, encouraging the private sector's participation in the operation and facilities 
of the MWSS. As a result, the institutional arrangements in the Philippines' water 
sector have become exceedingly complicated, with overlapping functions of over 30 
national government offices, local water boards and privatized water utility 
operators.
Further, the recent spate of "man-made" flooding disasters has made the 
consolidation of these entities into a single coherent and comprehensive Water 
Resources and Management Authority urgent and critical. This bill seeks to finally 
establish the Authority as the sole government unit in charge of managing, 
integrating, and unifying policies pertaining to the use, distribution, and 
management of water resources in the country.
In light of this, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
IMCr^MARCOS^


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
■r-i’-1 : U'' --K
25 JULIO P6:10
SENATE
S.B. No.
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
CREATING THE WATER RESOURCES AND MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY, 
DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
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CHAPTER I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 1. Short Title, 
and Management Authority Act.
This Act shall be known as the "Water Resources
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State 
to ensure the provision of safe, adequate, affordable, and sustainable water supply 
and improved sanitation services, while maintaining the protection, preservation and 
revival of the quality of the country's water resources and ecological balance.
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purpose of this Act, the following terms 
are hereby defined as follows:
(a) Authority refevs to the Water Resources and Management Authority;
(b) Flood Control refers to methods, acts and protocols to be observed in 
order to prevent and reduce the detrimental and catastrophic effects of 
flood waters which include sediment-laden or turbid flows, hyper­
concentrated flows or debris flows;
(c) Flood Risk Management (FRM) refers to such acts of defining and 
determining the appropriate methods, acts and protocols aimed at 
preventing and reducing the risk of incurring loss of both life and property 
due to flood waters. Flood risk management consists of a cycle of


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prevention, mitigation, adaptation, preparedness and early warning, and, 
finally response and recovery. The elements of FRM include: integrating 
land-use planning, coastal zone management into water management; 
adopting a holistic approach so that FRM is part of wider risk or multi­
hazard management (earthquake, landslides, storm surge, etc.); 
managing risk and uncertainty as a whole so it is not only hydrological 
uncertainties but also social, economic and political uncertainties In view 
of the human behavior and cultural dimensions of FRM;
(d) Host agency to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), 
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Information and 
Communications Technology (DICT)/ Department of Public Works and 
Flighways (DPWH), Department of Agriculture (DA) or other national 
government agency, local government unit, or public academic institution 
that provides programs, benefits and incentives for those who will be able 
to develop a new technology or innovate an existing one that will be 
beneficial to the management of water resources;
(e) Infrastructure and public works as used in this Act should be read to apply 
only to wholly or primarily water-related projects and shall not be read to 
incorporate projects which would not otherwise fall within the purview of 
the objectives, power and duties of the Department;
(f) IWRM refers to the Integrated Water Resource Management or to a 
systematic, collaborative and multi-stakeholder process, which promotes 
the coordinated development and management of water, land and related 
resources within geophysical boundaries in order to maximize the 
resultant economic and social welfare in an equitable manner and without 
compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems;
(g) Levels of water supply sev\j\ce shall mean as follows:
Level I (point source) - a protected well or a developed spring with an 
outlet but without any distribution system, generally adaptable for rural 
and upland area where the houses are thinly scattered. A Level 1 facility 
usually serves an average of 15 households;
Level II (communal faucet system or stand posts) - a system composed 
of water source, a reservoir, a piped distribution network, and communal 
faucets. Usually, one faucet serves 4 to 6 households. Generally suitable 
for rural and urban fringe areas where houses are clustered densely to 
justify a simple piped system;


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Level III (waterworks system or Individual house connections) - a system 
with a water source, a reservoir, a piped distribution network and 
household taps. This is generally suited for densely populated urban 
areas;
(h) LGU refers to Local Government Unit or to the territorial and political 
subdivisions of the Philippines as defined under the 1987 Constitution of 
the Philippines, which includes provinces, cities, municipalities and 
barangays;
(i) NDRRMC refers to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management 
Council;
(j) PDF refers to the country's medium-term development called the 
Philippine Development Plan;
(k) RBO refers to multi-stakeholder River Basin Organization or to 
organizations which plan, coordinate and monitor activities within a river 
basin cluster;
(l) Sanitation refers to sewage, sanitation and septage management;
(m) Sediment management refers to control of sediment erosion and 
deposition in rivers, reservoirs and coastal zones through non-structural 
and structural measures and control works;
(n) SDGrefers to the United Nation's sustainable development goals;
ip) Septage refers to sludge produced on individual onsite wastewater 
disposal systems, principally septic tanks and cesspools;
(p) Sewage refers to water-carried waste in solution or suspension including 
sanitary waste (waste products of normal living), commercial waste, 
industrial waste, agricultural waste and surface runoff conveyed by a 
sewerage system for treatment or disposal. For purpose of this Act, the 
definition of septage shall be Included in the use of sewage;
(q) Sewerage refers to any system or network of sanitary pipelines, ditches, 
channels or conduits including pumping stations, lift stations and force 
mains, service connections including other constructions, devices or 
appliances appurtenant thereof, which includes the collection, sanitary 
piping transport, pumping and treatment of water-borne human or animal 
waste removed from residences, buildings, institutions and industrial and 
commercial establishments to point of sewage treatment plant disposal;


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(r) Sewers refer to pipes or such other works or structures which are built 
and constructed to treat, carry, transport and dispose sewage;
(s) Social inclusion refers to the process of improving the terms for 
disadvantaged Individuals and groups to take part in society;
(t) Tariffs refer to such amounts which may be charged by licensees of water 
supply and/or sanitation services for their services based on principles, 
standards and guidelines established by the Department;
(u) Water Demand Management (WDM) refers to any method - whether 
technical, economic, administrative, financial, or social -that will 
accomplish one (or more) of the following things: (1) reduce the quantity 
or quality of water required to accomplish a specific task (2) adjust the 
nature of the task or the way it is undertaken so that it can be 
accomplished with less water or with lower quality water (3) reduce the 
loss in quantity or quality of water as it flows from source through use to 
disposal (4) shift the timing of use from peak to off-peak periods (5) 
increase the ability of the water system to continue to serve society during 
times when water is in short supply;
(v) Water Resources Regional Offices (WRROs) refer to the field office of the 
Department which are to be established in accordance with the Identified 
water resources regions in the country;
(w) Water Service Providers (WSPs) refer to the water districts, any LGU-run 
water utility, BWSA, RWSA, cooperatives and private sector who provides 
water supply services to any given area;
(x) Water supply service refers to any activity comprising Levels I, II and III 
water supply including bulk suppliers, suppiiers to subdivisions and other 
water service providers.
CHAPTER II 
ORGANIZATION
SEC. 4. Water Resources and Management Authority. - There is hereby 
created and established the "Water Resources and Management Authority" 
hereinafter referred to as the "Authority" shall be organized within one hundred 
twenty (120) days after the effectivity of this Act. It shall be the primary agency 
responsible for the comprehensive and integrated water resources development 
and management of the Philippines. It shall exercise such powers and functions 
needed to review, revise, harmonize and Integrate policies and regulations for


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conservation of water resources and effective management of water supply, 
sanitation, irrigation, hydropower, flood control, storm water/ urban drainage.
The Authority shall formulate and be guided by an "Integrated Water 
Resources Management (IWRM) Framework", taking into account climate risks, and 
ensuring the sustainability of natural ecosystem functions and services. In 
managing water resources, the Authority shall aim to improve water conservation 
and increase system efficiencies, and optimize the use of ail freshwater in the 
country including groundwater, surface water, rainwater, run-offs, floods, storm 
water and urban drainage, and treated wastewater to meet various needs.
SEC. 5. Powers and Functions. - The Authority shall have the following 
powers and functions:
I. Policy-making and Planning
(a) Ensure that the IWRM is adopted as the strategic framework for 
water management policy-making and planning in the country and 
coordinate the implementation, promotion, revision and 
enhancement of IWRM plans;
(b) Provide policy direction, strategies, and targets in coordination 
with other relevant entities to meet the goals and objectives for 
water supply and sanitation, water quality. Irrigation, hydropower, 
flood control, storm water, and urban drainage. Such policies shall, 
among other things, integrate the issues of water and sanitation, 
food security, energy, environment and flood control;
(c) Formulate and develop policies to promote universal access to 
safe, adequate, affordable, and sustainable water supply, and 
improved sanitation services for all Filipinos;
(d) Formulate and promulgate rules and regulations for the 
development, and optimum utilization of water resources and its 
administration and management, including coherent water 
protocols and operation rules of all existing and future water 
infrastructure; and the imposition on fees or charges as may be 
deemed necessary by the Authority for water resources 
development;
(e) Develop, in consultation with other agencies and stakeholders, the 
National Water Resources Management Master Plan following the 
IWRM framework and building on the 1998 Master Plan Study on 
Water Resources Management, the Philippine Water Supply and 
Sanitation Master Plan and existing plans of other agencies;


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(f) Conduct continuing hydrologic sun/eys and studies of the country's 
renewable water supply, establish, operate, and maintain 
observation station networks with a view towards formulating 
long-term policies to balance the sustainability and optimal 
multiple use of water resources, defining the hydrologic 
boundaries of basins of the existing water supply sources and 
developing or updating and implementing countrywide 
comprehensive basinwide master plans;
(g) Establish, operate, and maintain a centralized water resources 
data center necessary for the scientific survey and appraisal of 
surface and ground water potentials of the country and determine 
the annual renewable water available per water resources region;
(h) Assist and provide the National Economic and Development 
Authority (NEDA) secretariat with required data and input from 
and for the water sector in the formulation of the country's short­
term and long-term strategic development plans, and actions and 
recommend the adoption of general policies and guidelines for 
water resources development to the NEDA secretariat;
(i) Review and approve development plans and programs of any 
agency within the context of the National Water Resource 
Management Master Plan and overall national plans and program;
(j) Regularly review regulations prescribed by any government 
agency pertaining to water use, exploitation, development, 
conservation or protection of waters, water resources, and 
watershed or basin areas;
(k) Develop and implement, in coordination with other relevant 
agencies, effective codes, standards, benchmarks, and reasonable 
guidelines to ensure the safety of all public, and private water 
structures in the country and assure efficiency and proper quality 
in the construction of water, sanitation, irrigation, hydropower, 
flood control and drainage infrastructure;
(I) Review existing guidelines appropriate 
Participation in the water sector;
for Private Sector
(m) Effect inter-sectoral and inter-agency coordination on all aspects 
of data gathering for water resources development planning and 
direct the submission of statistics and data on water management;


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(n) Issue and promulgate rules, regulations and guidelines as may be 
necessary to implement and enforce its powers and functions 
under this Act; and
(o) Strengthen and deepen interactions and partnerships among 
different actors from the public and private sector, academe, 
research and development institutions and communities towards 
promoting and improving water management resources.
II. 
Resource Regulation
(a) Manage the country's water resources to ensure the optimal use 
thereof for domestic water supply, sanitation, irrigation, 
hydropower, navigation, flood control, and recreation, including 
the enhancement and maintenance of water quality, conservation 
of watershed, control of water pollution and environmental 
restoration, without compromising the natural ecosystem 
functions and services;
(b) Regulate and control the utilization, abstraction, diversion and 
development of water resources, taking into consideration its 
equitable distribution among competing demands and determine 
the standards of beneficial and priority uses of water in times of 
crisis and national emergencies;
(c) Determine, adjudicate, and grant water rights; and
(d) Formulate and enforce rules and regulations for the development 
and optimum use of water resources and its administration and 
management, and implement rules and guidelines for the 
enforcement of water-related laws including coherent water 
protocols, operational rules of all existing and future water 
infrastructure and appropriate sanctions to be imposed for non- 
compliance.
III. 
Administration and Management
(a) Develop guidelines, including rules of partnership among the 
Authority, field offices of national government agencies, LCDs and 
other stakeholders, facilitate the establishment of multi­
stakeholder river basin organizations (RBOs) per river basin, and 
monitor, strengthen and support existing RBOs;


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(b) Develop materials for capacity building and training on RBO 
development and conduct training and workshops for prospective 
river basins;
(c) Authorize its representatives or any deputized agent to enter any 
property of public dominion or any private land, building or 
enclave, whether inhabited or not, for the purpose of conducting 
hydrologic surveys and investigations including assessing and 
evaluating the conditions of water facilities installed and 
determining compliance with water laws and standards;
(d) Provide technical assistance to water users including but not 
limited to farmers, communities, LGUs and other water service 
providers (WSP) whether directly or in coordination with other 
agencies on all aspects of integrated water resources 
management; and
(e) Deputize agents from other government agencies or Government- 
Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) to assist in the 
performance of any of the powers and functions of the 
Department.
IV. Coordination
(a) Coordinate and integrate water resources development activities 
of the country within the context of national plans and policies for 
social and economic development;
(b) Coordinate with other government agencies, universities and 
private professional groups for all aspects of data gathering, the 
conduct of special studies and research on all related aspects of 
water resources management and development such as climate 
change, environmental quality, desalination, and the development 
of operating strategies, procedures, and protocols with 
accompanying computerized decision tools for major water 
facilities;
(c) Coordinate with the concerned and relevant agencies engaged in 
flood control, flood risk management and drought risk 
management; and
(d) Coordinate with LCD's to ensure the integration of water resources 
development plans into their comprehensive land use plans


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(CLUPs), Comprehensive Development Plans (CDPs) or Provincial 
Physical Framework and Development Plan (PPFDP).
SEC. 6. Administrator of the Water Resources and Management Authority. - 
The authority and responsibility for the exercise of the mandate of the Authority and 
for the discharge of its powers and functions shall be vested in the Administrator of 
the Authority, hereinafter referred to as the "Administrator" who shall:
(a) Advise the President on the promulgation of executive or administrative 
orders, regulations, proclamations and other issuances relative to matters 
under the jurisdiction of the Authority;
(b) Establish the policies and standards for the operation of the Authority 
pursuant to the President's guidelines;
(c) Promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out objectives, 
policies, and functions;
(d) Exercise supervision and control over all offices under the Authority;
(e) Supervise all attached agencies and corporations in accordance with law;
(f) Represent the Authority in contracts, awards, and other similar activities; 
and
(g) Perform such other duties and responsibilities, as may be necessary, and 
as provided by law.
No person shall be appointed Administrator unless he or she possesses 
extensive knowledge of public administration and has a minimum experience of ten 
(10) years in the administration of water, sanitation, irrigation, flood control and 
drainage programs preferably in a public agency.
SEC. 7. Office of the Administrator. - The Office of the Administrator shall 
be composed of the Administrator and his immediate staff.
SEC. 8. Offices. - The Authority shall be consisted of five (5) offices, as 
follows:
(1) Finance Service;
(2) Administrative Service;
(3) Planning and Engineering Services;
(4) Regulatory and Financial Assistance Services; and
(5) Operations.
SEC. 9. Organizational Structure. - The Authority shall be composed of the 
following organizational units:
(a) Authority Proper consisting of the Office of the Administrator, the Internal 
Audit, Finance Service, Administrative Service, Planning and Engineering 
Services, Regulatory and Financial Assistance Services, and Operations; 
and


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(b) Regional Offices, as deemed appropriate and necessary by the 
Administrator, taking into consideration the existing water resources 
regions, river basins, and catchment basins of the country.
SEC. 10. Internal Audit. - The Internal Audit is hereby created for the 
purpose of conducting comprehensive audit of various activities of the Authority and 
shall have the following functions:
(a) Advise the Administrator on all matters relating to management control 
and operations audit;
(b) Conduct management and operations performance audit of activities and 
units and determine as to compliance with established objectives, policies, 
methods and procedures, government regulations, and contractual 
obligations of the Authority;
(c) Review and appraise systems and procedures, organizational structure, 
assets management practices, accounting, and other records, reports, and 
performance standards of the Authority;
(d) Analyze and evaluate management deficiencies and assist top 
management to solve problems by recommending reaiistic courses of action; 
and
(e) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities, as may be assigned 
or delegated by the Administrator, or as may be required by law.
SEC. 11. Finance Services. - The Finance Services is hereby created to 
provide the Authority with coordinated services relating to financial systems and 
procedures, budget, cash, accounting, and all financial matters not falling under 
other Services. For such purposes, it shall have the following functions:
(a) Advise the Administrator on all matters relating to the accounting of 
government expenditures and receipts, budgeting and cash management, 
project finances, and financial systems and procedures;
(b) Prepare budget proposals and pursue formal budget authorizations, 
undertake budget execution, and prepare and submit all appropriate 
reports to the proper offices;
(c) Develop and maintain accounting, financial, and assets management 
systems, procedures, and practices in the Authority in accordance with 
the existing government accounting and auditing rules and regulations;
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(d) Provide assistance in its area of specialization to any unit of the 
Administrator and, when requested, to government corporations, 
councils, and boards attached to the Authority; and
(e) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities, as may be assigned 
or delegated by the Administrator, or as may be required by law.
SEC. 12. Administrative Services. - The Administrative Service is hereby 
created to provide the Authority with services relating to human resources 
development, personnel records, facilities maintenance, medical and dental, gender 
and development (GAD), security, property and procurement services. For such 
purposes, it shall have the following functions:
(a) Advise the Administrator on all matters relating to internal administration 
and human resources management;
(b) Prepare and implement an integrated personnel plan that shall include 
provisions on merit promotion, performance evaluation, job rotation, suggestions 
and incentive awards systems, and health and welfare services;
(c) Provide services related to human resource training, education, and 
development, including manpower, career planning and forecasting and 
development of indigenous training materials;
(d) 
Prepare and/or implement GAD plans and budgets and GAD 
accomplishment reports;
(e) Develop, establish, and maintain an efficient and cost-effective property 
procurement system and facilities and coordinate or otherwise interface with 
relevant agencies, whether government or private, for the purpose of developing or 
upgrading the system;
(f) Secure and maintain necessary facilities, and develop, establish and 
maintain an efficient and effective security system covering, among others, 
personnel, physical installations, equipment, documents, and materials, including 
the conduct of security investigations;
(g) Coordinate with the appropriate government agencies for a more efficient 
conduct of administrative processes;
(h) Develop, establish and maintain an efficient records system;
(I) Provide assistance in its area of specialization to the Authority and 
Regional Offices and, when requested, the government agencies and corporations 
attached to the Authority; and
(J) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities, as may be assigned 
or delegated by the Administrator, or as may be required by law.
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SEC. 13. Planning and Engineering Services. - The Planning and Engineering
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Services is hereby created to provide the Authority with the capability to undertake
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infrastructure development planning, programming, and implementation. For this
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purpose, it shall have the following functions;
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(a) Advise the Administrator on all matters relating to infrastructure planning
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and implementation;
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(b) Formulate strategies and priorities for infrastructure development
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consistent with national development objectives and initiate or undertake
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relevant surveys for development planning;
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(c) Formulate and implement long-range, medium-term and annual
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development plans and programs for infrastructure, including flood
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control, water resource development systems, and other public works
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projects including phasing of implementation and review and integrate
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land use plans with such water development plans;
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(d) Identify and implement priority packages for infrastructure development,
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including flood control, water resource development systems, and other
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public works projects, and undertake or supervise and evaluate the
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conduct of feasibility studies and project preparation and implementation
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thereof;
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(e) Prioritize project implementation and the allocation of funds and other
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resources and package project proposals for funding and implementation;
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(f) Evaluate and appraise all reginal interregional infrastructure development
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plans and programs as to their feasibility and consistency with approved
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strategies and long and medium-term plans;
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(g) Initiate regular Authority-wide planning exercises and act as the
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secretariat thereof;
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(h) Gather, analyze, and organize needed statistical data and information;
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(i) Provide technical assistance related to its functions to the other Services
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and Regional Offices as needed; and
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(j) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities, as may be assigned
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or delegated by the Administrator, or as may be required by law.
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SEC. 14. Regulatory and Financial Assistance Services. - The Regulatory and
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Financial Assistance Services is hereby created to provide the Authority with services
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on all legal affairs, compliance of attached government corporations, LWDs, RWSAs,
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cooperatives, and other associations, including private entitles under contractual or
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concession arrangement with them, and other private water service providers on
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the established standards, rules and regulations relating to: water quality,
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infrastructure and facilities design and construction, equipment, materials and
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supplies, operations and maintenance, personnel, organization, accounting, tariffs,
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and other matters subject to regulation. It shall also provide the services on the
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management of the financial assistance available and granted to LWDs and RWSAs.
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For this purpose, it shall have the following functions:
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(a) Advise the Administrator on all matters relating to iegai affairs and 
regulation of the operation of the attached corporations, LWDs, RWSAs, 
cooperatives and other associations;
(b) Provide legal assistance, when requested, the attached corporations and 
boards;
(c) Prepare contracts and legal instruments, review of administrative charge 
against officers and employees of the Authority, members of the top 
management of the attached corporations and boards;
(d) Conduct administrative investigation as weil as the review of 
administrative charges against officers and empioyees of the Authority, 
members of the top management of the attached corporations and 
boards;
(e) Exercise functional jurisdiction over the legal staffs of Regional Offices;
(f) Establish standards for: water quality; design and construction of 
facilities, optimum selection of equipment, materials and supplies, 
procedures for operations and maintenance of water and sewer 
equipment and facilities, training of personnel, organization, uniform 
accounting system, tariffs;
(g) Review all water rates or charges;
(h) Manage the financial assistance available and granted to LWDs, RWSAs 
and other qualified water utilities; and
(i) Maintain a databank for water quantity and quality of all water resources 
including ground water and or surface water resources being used by 
water utilities, power utilities, sewage facilities, sanitation facilities, and 
irrigation cooperatives and organizations and a databank for relevant 
information of all these organizations as well.
SEC. 15. Water Resources Regional Offices. - The Water Resources Regional 
Offices (WRRO), organized per water resources region shall be responsible for 
implementing the mandates, powers and duties of the Authority at the field level, 
except for policymaking which will be vested solely with the Central Office. For this 
purpose, the duties and responsibilities of the WRRO shall be as follows:
(a) Formulate or update and coordinate the river basin master plans for river 
basins within its jurisdictions ensuring consistency with the National Water 
Resources Management Master Plan;
(b) Evaluate the planning, design, and work supervision functions of the 
Authority for the water infrastructures within the region;
(c) Ensure the implementation of laws, policies, programs, rules and 
regulations regarding the abovementioned Infrastructure as well as public 
and private physical structures;
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(d) Provide technical assistance related to the water-related functions of 
other agencies within the region especially the local government;
(e) Coordinate with other departments, agencies, institutions and 
organizations, especially local government units within the region in the 
planning and implementation of the river basin master plans;
(f) Conduct continuing consultations with the local communities, take 
appropriate measures to make the services responsive to the Central 
Office and recommend such appropriate actions, as may be necessary; 
and
(g) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities, as may be assigned 
or delegated by the Administrator, or as may be required by law.
SEC. 16. Regional Director. - Each Regional Office shall be headed by a 
Regional Director who shall be responsible for efficiently and effectively carrying out 
the duties and responsibilities of the Office. He shall also perform such other related 
duties and responsibilities, as may be assigned or delegated by the Administrator, 
or as may be required by law.
The Regional Director shall be assisted by two (2) Assistant Water Resources 
Regional Office Directors who shall exercise supervision respectively over: (1) the 
planning, project design and evaluation function and (2) the construction, 
maintenance, and works supervision functions in the region.
SEC. 17. Comptrollership and Financial Management Service. - The 
Comptrollership and Financial Management Service is hereby created to provide the 
Authority with coordinated services relating to financial systems and procedures, 
budget, cash, accounting and all financial housekeeping matters. For such purposes, 
it shall have the following functions:
(a) Advise the Administrator on all matters relating to the accounting of 
government expenditures and receipts, budgeting and cash management, 
project finances and financial systems and procedures;
(b) Prepare budget proposals and pursue formal budget authorizations, 
undertake budget execution, and prepare and submit all appropriate 
reports to the proper offices;
(c) Develop and maintain accounting, financial and assets management 
systems, procedures and practices in the Authority;
(d) Review and appraise systems and procedures, organizational structure, 
assets management practices, accounting, and other records, reports, ad
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performance standards such as budgets and standard costs of the 
Authority, bureaus, and regional offices;
(e) Provide assistance in its area of specialization to any unit of the Authority 
and, when requested, to government corporations and councils attached 
to the Authority; and
(f) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities, as may be assigned 
or delegated by the Administrator, or as may be required by law.
SEC. 18. Resource Regulation Service. - The Resource Regulatory Service is 
hereby created to provide the Authority with services on resource regulation of all 
water-related services and activities. For such purposes, it shall have the following 
functions:
(a) Advise the Administrator on all matters relating to resource regulations;
(b) Determine, grant and regulate water rights for the appropriate, optimal 
and sustainable use of surface and ground water;
(c) Determine, evaluate and grant waterworks and sewerage franchises;
(d) Investigate violations of the water rights and the Water Code and impose 
the appropriate sanctions in accordance with existing laws, rules and 
regulations as well as future rules and regulations which the Authority will 
promulgate;
(e) Adjudicate water use conflicts; and
(f) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities, as may be assigned 
or delegated by the Administrator or as may be required by the law.
SEC. 19. Public Affairs Office. - The Public Affairs Office is hereby created 
for the purpose of enhancing government relations with all stakeholders including 
the media. It shall ensure that women, men, older people and people with disabilities 
will be consulted, organized and can take active part in all aspects of water resources 
development and management activities. The office will also lead the planning and 
organizing of the special events of the Authority. For such purposes, it shall have 
the following functions:
(A) Public Awareness
(a) Advise the Administrator on matters pertaining to public affairs 
services;
(b) Develop and supervise the implementation of communications 
programs to have relevant policies, programs and plans of the Authority 
understood by the public;
(c) Produce and supervise the dissemination of communication 
materials in line with the priorities of the Authority and the national 
government public information programs;
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(d) Conduct public opinion and attitude surveys to identify the 
interests and concerns of key groups served by the Authority;
(e) Establish editorial policies on print and broadcast media;
(f) Establish and maintain linkages with the tri-media and presence In 
social media;
(g) Coordinate the conduct of interviews and news conferences;
(h) Act as spokesperson for the Authority;
(i) Coordinate with various departments, concerned government 
agencies, tri-media and other stakeholders on matters related to the above- 
enumerated functions;
(j) Coordinate with the appropriate national government agencies 
tasked with public information affairs;
(B) Promoting Participation
(a) Conduct public consultations and discussions;
(b) Develop and disseminate relevant and appropriate materials and 
programs for public information and education, as well as advocacy 
campaign;
(c) Conduct seminars and workshops involving the LCDs and the 
general public on current water issues and problems;
(d) Conduct capability building seminars of various stakeholders to 
promote meaningful participation in the Authority's policy making, planning, 
development and implementation of various programs and projects.
(C) Special Events
(a) Coordinate the organization and promotion of special events and 
water exhibits;
(b) Act as the focal point for all water related events;
(c) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be 
assigned or delegated by the Administrator or as may be required by law.
SEC. 20. Pollution Adjudication Board. - There is hereby created a Pollution 
Adjudication Board under the Authority. The Board shall be composed of the 
Administrator as Chairman, two (2) Undersecretaries as may be designated by the 
Secretary, the Director of Water Quality Management Bureau and three (3) other 
representatives from other stakeholders to be designated by the Administrator as 
members. The Board shall assume the powers and functions of the 
Commission/Commissioners of the National Pollution Control Commission with 
respect to the adjudication of water pollution cases under Republic Act No. 3931, 
Presidential Decree 984, particularly with respect to Section 6 letters e, f, g, j, k and 
p of the P.D. 984 and RA 9275. The Bureau of Water Quality Management shall 
serve as the Secretariat of the Board. These powers and functions may be delegated 
to the field officers of the Authority In accordance with rules and regulations to be 
promulgated by the Board.
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SEC. 21. Divisions. - Each Division shall be headed by a Director who shall 
be responsible for efficiently and effectively carrying out the functions of the Division 
concerned. The Director shall be assisted by one (1) Assistant Director.
SEC. 22. Division of Hood Control and Drainage. - The Division of Flood 
Control and Drainage is hereby created to plan and design flood control and 
drainage structures and facilities in accordance with technical standards, guidelines 
and manuals. For this purpose, it shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
(a) Formulate policy, strategies and programs on flood risk management in 
the context of integrated flood management (IFM) which integrates 
water, land, coastal zone and multi-hazard management. In integrating 
land-use planning and water management, the Authority should 
harmonize and synthesize plans to enable the sharing of information 
between land-use planning and water management authorities. In 
integrating hazard management, a holistic approach should be adopted 
so that IFM should be part of a wider risk or multi-hazard management 
system (e.g., earthquake, landslides, fire, tsunami, etc.);
(b) Integrate climate change and disaster risk reduction and management in 
policies and plans;
(c) Prepare master plans of flood management and drainage in river basins 
in coordination with the concerned water resources region and river basin 
organizations;
(d) Prepare master plans of urban drainage in cities/municipalities;
(e) Prepare feasibility studies of recommended measures in the master plans;
(f) Plan and design structural measures for flood control and drainage;
(g) Implement and/or collaborate with concerned agencies on the non- 
structural measures;
(h) Patrol and Investigate rivers including the monitoring of stream flows;
(i) Conduct post-disaster investigation and evaluation and damage 
assessment of flood infrastructures after extreme events;
(j) Conduct research and development on water and sediment-related 
disasters;
(k) Develop design guidelines, criteria and standards on flood control and 
drainage structures;
(l) Provide technical assistance to other agencies, LCDs and other 
stakeholders;
(m) Advise the Secretary on declaring flood control areas and recommend 
guidelines for flood plain management plans in these areas in 
coordination with the proposed Department of Disaster Resiliency; and
(n) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities, as may be 
assigned or delegated by the Secretary, or as may be required by law.
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SEC. 23. Division of Water Quality Management - The Division of Water 
Quality Management is hereby created to supervise and control over all aspects of 
water quality management to ensure the sustainability of the country's water 
resources and the protection of the environment. It should take into account proper 
and integrated treatment of freshwater and wastewater within the whole process. 
For this purpose, it shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
(a) 
Establish water quality guidelines for freshwater and 
coastal/marine waters as basis for classifying water bodies in the country. 
Specifically, develop water quality indices or composite metrics to measure 
of the quality status and health of natural water bodies in relation to 
ecological integrity and function.
(b) Establish effluent standards for point sources of pollution;
(c) Establish internationally accepted procedures for sampling and 
analysis;
(d) Prepare an integrated water quality management framework;
(e) Prepare 10-year water quality management plans for each water 
quality management area as part of the River Basin Master Plans and in 
support of the National Water Resources Management Master Plan;
(f) Classify groundwater sources and prepare a national groundwater 
vulnerability map;
(g) Classify or reclassify all water bodies according to their beneficial 
usages using the established water quality guidelines established;
(h) Issue permits, clearances and similar instruments pursuant to the 
Clean Water Act of 2004;
(i) Collect the wastewater discharge (EUF) fees for all permittees;
(j) Monitor the compliance of water discharge permittees with the 
effluent standards;
(k) Regularly monitor the water quality of major water bodies in the 
country and analyze the data to identify possible sources of pollution;
(l) Issue notices of violations and/or cease and desist orders for those 
found in violation;
(m) File the needed cases against violators with the Pollution 
Adjudication Board;
(n) Serve as secretariat of the PAB; and
(o) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities, as may be 
assigned or delegated by the Administrator, or as may be required by law.
CHAPTER III
INNOVATION AND NEW TECHNOLOGY
SEC. 24. General Registration and Operational Benefits and Incentives. - 
Host agencies shall be authorized to provide the following benefits and incentives 
to who will be able to develop a new technology or innovate an existing one that
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will be beneficial to the conservation, preservation, and management of water 
resources:
(a) Full or partial subsidy for the registration and cost in the application and 
processing of permits and certificates required for the business registration and 
operation of an enterprise with the appropriate local or national government 
agencies;
(b) Endorsement of the host agency for the expedited or prioritized 
processing of applications with other government agency;
(c) Full or partial subsidy for the use of facilities, office space, equipment, 
and/or services provided by government or private enterprises or institutions;
(d) Full or partial subsidy in the use of repurposed government spaces and 
facilities of the host agency as the registered business address; and
(e) Grants-in-aid (GIA) for research, development, training, and expansion 
projects.
SEC. 25. Genera! Benefits for Participation in Local and International Events. 
- Host agencies shall be authorized to provide the following benefits and incentives 
in order to support developers and innovators of water management resources who 
have passed their respective selection and application process for the purpose of 
participating in local or international events or competitions:
(a) Endorsement of the host agency for the expedited or prioritized 
processing of travel documents, such as, but not limited to, passport and/or 
visa application;
(b) Full or partial subsidy for fees and charges incurred in the application for 
pertinent travel documents;
(c) Full or partial subsidy for baggage allowance for materials, equipment, 
and/or products pertinent to the participation in the local or International 
event;
(d) Full or partial airfare subsidy for roundtrip airfare; and/or
(e) Per diem allowance.
CHAPTER IV
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS
SEC. 26. Coordination with Other Sector Regulators. - The Authority is 
mandated to coordinate with the different sector regulators as follows:
(1) The Department of Health (DOH) shall continue to have primary authority 
and responsibility for setting and enforcing drinking water quality standards. The 
Authority shall coordinate with the DOH in this regard and shall ensure consistency 
of standards and targets which it will set for compliance of permittees with the 
mandated standards of the DOH;
(2) The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) shall 
continue to have primary authority and responsibility for protecting the environment 
and managing the country's watersheds;
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(3) The Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Power Corporation 
(NPC) shall continue to have primary authority and responsibility for setting up and 
running hydropower plants but will ensure that any hydropower plant development 
plans are consistent with the National Water Development and Management Plan;
(4) The Authority shall coordinate with the Department of Agriculture (DA) 
to ensure agricultural development that reduces sources of long-term pollution for 
surface water and groundwater, and agricultural and industrial economic 
development that employs water efficiency, water recycling/reuse and the 
appropriate treatment of wastewater;
(5) The Authority shall coordinate with the National Disaster Risk Reduction 
Management Council (NDRRMC) to ensure that its plans and designs for flood 
control, flood risk management and drought risk management are aligned with the 
objectives and plans of the Authority; and
(6) The Authority shall absorb the responsibility from the Department of 
Interior and Local Government (DILG) on the management and operation of water 
supply systems of local government units.
SEC. 27. Transfer of Rights and Obligations. - The Authority shall, by virtue 
of this Act, be subrogated to all the rights and assume all the obligations of the 
relevant parts of any government agency or unit whose powers and duties have 
been transferred to the Authority, including the DPWH, National Irrigation 
Administration (NIA), National Water Resources Board (NWRB), Metropolitan 
Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), River Basin Control Office, Manila Bay 
Coordinating Office, Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), Metro Manila 
Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources 
(DENR), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Laguna Lake 
Development Authority, Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, the Water Resources 
Regional Offices, and all other offices whose powers are transferred by this Act.
The transfer of powers and functions as provided in Sec. 18 of this Act, as 
may be applicable, and its attached agencies thereto, shall take effect within one 
hundred eighty (180) days from the effectivity of this Act. The foregoing transfer of 
powers and functions shall Include all applicable funds, personnel, records, 
property, and equipment, as may be necessary. All offices shall continue to function 
under their present mandates until transition is in effect.
All rights and obligations of said government agencies are hereby transferred 
to and assumed by the Authority and shall be acted upon in accordance with the 
rules and regulations of the Commission on Audit (COA) and other pertinent laws, 
rules, and regulations.
SEC. 28. Separation from Service. - Employees separated from government 
service as a result of this Act shall be entitled to the benefits that they may receive 
under existing laws, rules, and regulations.
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SEC. 29. Appropriations. - The sum of two billion pesos (Php 
2,000,000,000.00) shall be set aside from available funds of the National Treasury, 
and is hereby appropriated and authorized to be released for the organization of the 
Authority and its initial operations. Thereafter, funds sufficient to fully carry out the 
objectives, powers, and functions of the Authority shall be appropriated every fiscal 
year in the General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 30. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act is 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected 
shall remain in full force and effect.
SEC. 31. Repeating Clause. - Any law or parts thereof inconsistent with any 
provision of this Act shall be deemed repealed, but without prejudice to any liability 
under special laws.
SEC. 32. EffectMty. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
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