EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBUC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 1940
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
December 09
Tjf.iE¥NDt X
AN ACT CREATING THE WATER RESOURCES AND MANAGEMENT 
AUTHORITY, DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Last 16 November 2020, the entire island of Luzon was declared to be under a 
state of calamity due to the impact and destruction caused by the typhoons "Quinta," 
"Roily," and "Ulysses" impacting over 1.7 million people.
The typhoon "Ulysses" alone left 69 people dead, 21 injured, and 12 missing, 
while the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported over 265,000 individuals 
rescued in various provinces. In Cagayan Valley alone, almost 100,000 people, were 
forced to flee their homes as a result of the massive flooding.
Numerous allegations accuse the National Irrigation Administratlon-Magat River 
Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-MARIIS) of failing to notify the downstream residents 
of their sudden releasing of water from the dam, as provided for under the Magat Dam 
protocol.
Charges have also been made against the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and 
Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) for their highly erroneous forecast of 
water levels at the Marikina River, reaching 22 meters, higher than the 21.5 meters 
recorded during Typhoon Ondov in 2009.
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.
With the onslaught of COVID-19 pandemic, water, more than ever, proved to be 
the most essential public utility in promoting health and cleanliness. The cursory and


oft-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. Based on the 
2017 Annual Poverty Indicator's Survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority 
(PSA), only fifty one percent (51%) of Filipino families' have water piped into their 
dwellings. Twenty-four percent (24%) obtain water through a protected well (24%) 
while a mere eight percent (8%) receive their supply piped directly into their homes. 
Data also shows that there are still Filipinos who rely on natural sources such as rivers, 
streams, pond, lake or dam and rain harvesting.
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.
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.
The passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
IMEE R. MARCOS


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
1HE 4$X 
_______
SENATE
S.B. No. 1940
RECEIVED %S
(5o e-filed 2a
[ui BA TC: ■ December 09 20201 
lt/> T>ME:-09:15am
V7
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 Tide. - This Act shall be known as the "Water Resources and 
Management Authority Act."
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 purposes of this Act, the following terms are 
hereby defined as follows:
a) Authority refers 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 prevention, mitigation, adaptation.


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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, landsiides, 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 
refers 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 Highways 
(DPWH), Department of Agricuiture (DA) or other national government agency, 
local government unit, or public academic institution that provides programs, 
benefits and incentives for those who wili 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 bs 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) /W^eA/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 service 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 
areas 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 a 
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) 
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) M7/?/?M7refers 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;
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refers to the United Nation's sustainable development goals;
o) 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;
r) Sewers refer to pipes or such other works or structures which are built and 
constructed to treat, carry, transport and dispose sewage;


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s) Social inclusion refers to the process of improving the terms for disadvantaged 
individuais and groups to take part in society;
t) 
Tariffs refer to such amounts which may be charged by iicensees 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, suppliers 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' which 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 conservation of water resources 
and effective management of water supply, sanitation, irrigation, hydropower, flood 
control, storm water/ urban drainage.


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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 all freshwater in the country inciuding 
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 Pianning
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;
f) Conduct continuing hydrologic surveys 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 basin-wide master plans;


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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 Deveiopment Authority (NEDA) 
secretariat with required data and input from and for the water sector in the 
formuiation of the country's short-term and iong-term strategic development plans, 
and actions and recommend the adoption of generai poiicies 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, expioitation, development, conservation or protection of waters, water 
resources, and watershed or basin areas;
k) Deveiop and implement, in coordination with other relevant agencies, effective 
codes, standards, benchmarks, and reasonable guidelines to ensure the safety of 
aii public, and private water rtructures in the country and assure efficiency and 
proper quaiity in the construction of water, sanitation, irrigation, hydropower, flood 
control and drainage infrastructure;
l) Review existing guidelines appropriate for Private Sector Participation in the water 
sector;
m) Effect inter-sectorai 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;
n) Issue and promulgate rules, regulations and guidelines as may be necessary to 
impiement 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 deveiopment institutions 
and communities towards promoting and improving water management resources.
II. Resource Reguiation
a) Manage the country's water resources to ensure the optimal use thereof for 
domestic water suppiy, sanitation, irrigation, hydropower, navigation, flood control.


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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, LGUs and other stakeholders, facilitate the 
establishment of multi-stakeholder river basin organizations (RBOs) per river basin, 
and monitor, strengthen and support existing RBOs;
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 (GOCC's) to assist in the performance of any of the powers 
and functions of the Department.


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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 (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 ^Administratof', 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;
0 Represent the Authority in contracts, awards, and other similar activities; and


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g) Perform such other duties and responsibilities, as may be necessary and
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provided by law.
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No person shall be appointed Administrator unless he or she possesses extensive
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knowledge of public administration and has a minimum experience of ten (10) years in
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the administration of water, sanitation, irrigation, flood control and drainage programs
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preferably in a public agency.
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SEC. 7. Office o/'f/re Administrator. - The Office of the Administrator shall be
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composed of the Administrator and his immediate staff.
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SEC. 8. Offices. - The Authority shall be consisted of five (5) offices, as follows:
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1) Finance Service;
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2) Administrative Service;
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3) Planning and Engineering Services;
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4) Regulatory and Financial Assistance Services; and
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5) Operations.
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SEC. 9. Organizational Structure. - The Authority shall be composed of the
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following organizational units:
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a) Authority Proper consisting of the Office of the Administrator, the Internal
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Audit, Finance Service, Administrative Service, Planning and Engineering Services,
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Regulatory and Financial Assistance Services, and Operations; and
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b) Regional Offices, as deemed appropriate and necessary by the Administrator,
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taking Into consideration the existing water resources regions, river basins, and
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catchment basins of the country.
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SEC. 10. Internal Audit -The Internal Audit is hereby created for the purpose
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of conducting comprehensive audit of various Authority activities and shall have the
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following specific functions:
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a) Advise the Administrator on all matters relating to management control and
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operations audit;
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b) Conduct management and operations performance 
audit of activities and
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units and determine as to compliance with established objectives, policies,
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methods and procedures, government regulations, 
and contractual obligations
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of the Authority;


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c) Review and appraise systems and procedures, organizationai structure, assets 
management practices, accounting, and other records, reports, and performance 
standards of the Authority;
d) Anaiyze and evaiuate management deficiencies and assist top management 
to soive problems by recommending realistic 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.
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SEC. 11. Finance Services. - The Finance Services is hereby created to provide
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the Authority with coordinated services relating to financial systems and procedures,
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budget, cash, accounting, and all financial matters not falling under other Services. For
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such purposes, it shall have the following functions:
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a) Advise the Administrator on all matters relating to the accounting of
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government expenditures and receipts, budgeting and cash management,
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project finances, and financial systems and procedures;
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b) Prepare budget proposals and pursue formal budget authorizations,
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undertake budget execution, and prepare and submit all appropriate reports to
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the proper offices;
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c) Develop and maintain accounting, financial, and assets management systems,
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procedures, and practices in the Authority In accordance with the existing
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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
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and, when requested, to government corporations, councils, and boards
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attached to the Authority; and
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e) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or
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delegated by the Administrator or as may be required by law.
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SEC. 12. Administrative Services. - The Administrative Service Is hereby created
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to provide the Authority with services relating to human resources development,
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personnel records, facilities maintenance, medical and dental, gender and development
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(GAD), security, property and procurement services. For such purposes, it shall have
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the following functions:
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a) Advise the Administrator on all matters relating to Internal administration and
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human resources management;
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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 and 
implementation;
b) Formulate strategies and priorities for infrastructure development consistent 
with national development objectives and initiate or undertake relevant surveys 
for development planning;
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c) Formulate and implement long-range, medium-term and annual development
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plans and programs for Infrastructure, including flood control, water resource
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development systems, and other public works projects, including phasing of
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implementation and review and integrate land use plans with such water
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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 public
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works projects, and undertake or supervise and evaluate the conduct of
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feasibility studies and project preparation and implementation 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 secretariat
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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 and
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Regional Offices as needed; and
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j) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or
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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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Rnancial 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 the
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established standards, rules and regulations relating to: water quality; infrastructure
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and facilities design and construction; equipment, materials and supplies; operations
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and maintenance; personnel; organization; accounting; tariffs; and other matters
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subject to regulation. It shall also provide the services on the management of the
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financial assistance available and granted to LWDs and RWSAs. For this purpose, it
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shall have the following functions:
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a) Advise the Administrator on all matters relating to legal affairs and regulation
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of the operation of the attached corporations, LWDs, RWSAs, cooperatives and
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other associations;
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b) Provide legal assistance, when requested, the attached 
corporations and
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boards;
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c) Prepare contracts and legal Instruments, review of administrative charges 
against officers and employees of the Authority, members of the top 
management of the attached corporations and boards;
d) Conduct administrative investigation as well as the review of administrative 
charges against officers and employees 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, organized per water resources region shall be responsible for Implementing the 
mandates, powers and duties of the Authority at the field level, except for policy-making 
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;
d) Provide technical assistance related to the water-related functions of other 
agencies within the region especially the local government;
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e) Coordinate with other departments, agencies, institutions and organizations, 
especialiy local government units within the region in the planning and 
implementation of the river basin master plans;
g) 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
h) 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 performance 
standards such as budgets and standard costs of the Authority, bureaus, and 
regional offices;
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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;
17 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. Internal Audit Office. - The Internal Audit Office is hereby created for 
the purpose of conducting comprehensive audit of various activities of the Authority 
and will report directly to the Administrator. Specifically, It 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 the degree of compliance with established objectives, 
policies, standards, 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, and performance
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standards (such as budgets and standard costs) of the Authority, Divisions, and
Regional Offices;
d) Analyze and evaluate management deficiencies and assist top management to
solve problems by recommending realistic 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. 20. 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;
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;
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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. 21. 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.
SEC. 22. 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.
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SEC. 23. Division ofFiood Controi and Drainage. - The Division of Rood 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, LGUs and other stakeholders;
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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.
SEC. 24. 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 Ma^er Plans and in support of the 
National Water Resources Management Master Plan;
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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;
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k) Regularly monitor the water quality of major water bodies in the country and 
analyze the data to identify possibie 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. 25. General Registration and Operational Benefits and Incentives. - Host 
agencies shall be authorized to provide the foliowing benefits and incentives to who 
will be able to develop a new technology or innovate an existing one that 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. 26. General 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
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passed their respective seiection and appiication process for the purpose of 
participating in locai 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. 27. Interface 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 
DOH's mandated standards;
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;
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 pA) 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;
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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 shail 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. 28. 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, 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 effected.
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 and other pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.
SEC. 29. 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.
SEC. 30. Source of Fund. - 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.
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The Authority shall submit its annual budget, which shall include, among others,
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detailed information on the compensation and benefits received by their employees to
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SEC. 31. Repealing Clause. -All laws, orders, rules and regulations, or portions 
thereof. Inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SEC. 32. Separability Clause. - If any provisions of this Act or the application of 
such provision to any person or circumstances be declared unconstitutional, the 
remainder of this Act or the application of such provision to other person or 
circumstances shall not be affected by such declaration.
SEC. 33. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from the date 
of its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,
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