Republic of the Philippines
Seventeenth Congress
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 4995

Introduced by Representative Estrellita B. Suansing

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In 2015, the World Resources Institute issued a warning that the Philippines is
vulnerable to severe water shortage in the coming years because of the combined
impact of its rapid population growth and the effects of climate change. The water
shortage is further aggravated by the fragmented and overlapping functions of water
agencies in the country. The enactment of a feasible long term solution for the
protection of water is necessary to combat this threat.

This bill seeks to rationalize the management of water resources, sewage, and
sanitation through the creation of the Department of Water Resources and Services.
It shall set the policy for the preservation of water resources in the country, regulate
its supply to ensure optimal use and devise ways and means for the long term safety,
protection and preservation of this very important natural resource. It will likewise
manage sanitation and the services for the sewerages or drainage. It is also
responsible for the building, maintaining and monitoring of water-related infrastructure
to ensure quality, accessible and potable water; promoting and pushing for the
adoption of acceptable international policies and best practices in water management
to achieve universal access to safe water and sanitation.

A study by the World Water Organization shows that water supply in the
Philippines is diminishing. The availability of affordable and safe drinking water and a
working sanitation system is a basic necessity for all Filipinos which must be
addressed. The lack of a holistic program for water resources management creates a
perennial problem that seriously affects the lives of our citizens in terms of health,
sanitation, food security and livelihood, which are indispensable for social and
economic development.

To ensure Filipinos the benefit of this fundamental human right, the immediate
approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

ESTRELLITA B. SUANSING

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Republic of the Philippines
Seventeenth Congress
First Regular Session

4995

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Estrellita B, Suansing

AN ACT
CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES AND SERVICES AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

CHAPTER |
GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Water Resources
Management and Rationalization Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall promote and protect the right
of the people to safe, clean and affordable water as a basic human right. Further, the
State recognizes that safe, clean and affordable drinking water and proper sanitation
are essential to the full enjoyment by the people of life and the protection and
sustainability of the environment. Towards this end, the State shall ensure that people
have access to safe, clean and affordable drinking water and proper sanitation
services and facilities.

In pursuit of this policy, the objectives of this Act are as follows

a) Establish the basic principles and framework relating to the
appropriation, control and conservation of water resources to achieve their optimum
development and national utilization:

b) Implement programs for the attainment of universal access to safe,
adequate, affordable, and sustainable water supply and sanitation services for all
Filipinos, and adopt all necessary measures directed towards this end;

°) Promote international participation in the education and sharing of
information to achieve universal access to water and sanitation, and the integration of
water, energy, environment, and food security;

d) Strengthen and coordinate water resource planning and policy-making
to ensure sustainable and fair allocation and efficient use of water resources between
competing water uses and users, including domestic and municipal use, irrigation,
power generation, farming, fisheries, commercial and industrial use;

) Strengthen and coordinate policy and planning in relation to flood control
and flood risk management in order to plan, prevent, and reduce the detrimental and
catastrophic effects of flood waters;


f) Secure and regulate all public works in order to obtain the highest
efficiency and the most appropriate quality in construction and to plan, design,
construct and maintain infrastructure facilities in accordance with national
development objectives; and

g) Ensure the effective implementation of Republic Act No. 9275
otherwise known as the “Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004.”

CHAPTER Il
ORGANIZATION

SEC. 3. Department of Water Resources and Services. ~ There is hereby
established a Department of Water Resources and Services, hereinafter referred to
as the Department, to manage, control and protect water resources for domestic
purposes, sanitation, irrigation, hydropower, fisheries, aquaculture, flood control,
recreation, and for the enhancement and maintenance of water quality.

The following agencies or corporate entities are hereby transferred to the
Department from the authority of their current mother agencies or offices:

a) The National Water Resources Board (NWRB), which is currently
under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR);

b) The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), which is currently
under the Office of the President; and

) The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), which is currently under
the Office of the President;

d) The Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), which is currently
under the DENR; and

e) The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC), which is currently
under the Office of the President.

Likewise, the Department shall be responsible for the enforcement functions
of Republic Act No. 9275, otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Water Act of
2004, as well as all the other water management functions of the Environmental
Management Bureau of the DENR,

The Department shall be organized within one hundred eighty (180) days after
the approval of this Act.

SEC. 4. Powers and Duties of the Department. - The Department shall
exercise the following powers and duties:

a) Formulate and develop policies to promote universal access to safe,
adequate, affordable and sustainable water supply, and sanitation services;

b) Manage, protect and preserve the 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 watersheds, control of water pollution
and environmental restoration, without compromising the natural ecosystem
functions and services;

©) Manage the ownership, appropriation, utilization, exploitation,
development, conservation and protection of water resources;


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d) Formulate and enforce rules and regulations in the administration and
management of the water resources and implement rules and guidelines for the
enforcement of the laws on water;

) Coordinate with relevant entities to provide policy directions, strategies
and targets to meet the goals and objectives of water supply, and sanitation
management by integrating the issues of safe water and sanitation;

f Conduct continuing surveys and studies of renewable water supply with
a view towards formulating long-term policies to balance the sustainability and optimal
use of water resources, defining the hydrologic boundaries of basins of the existing
water supply sources, and creating and implementing countrywide masterplans for
water resources management and development;

8) Undertake and coordinate with other agencies and government entities
in data gathering, scientific research and studies on water resources management and
development, and conduct nationwide hydrologic surveys to determine the annual
renewable water available per region;

h) Classify water quality standards for surface and ground water, including
establishing national standards for drinking water and wastewater;

i) Effect inter-sectoral, inter-agency, and inter-departmental planning,
data gathering, research and developmental studies on safe water and sanitation
and compel submissions of statistic and data on water management with the aim of
operationalizing the integrated approach to water resources management:

j) » Regulate and control the utilization, exploitation, abstraction, diversion
and development of water resources, taking into consideration its equitable
distribution, and determine the standards of beneficial and priority uses of water in
times of crisis and national emergencies;

k) Assist and provide the National Economic and Development Authority
(NEDA) with required data and inputs from and for the water sector in the formulation
of the short-term and long-term strategic development plans and actions;

1) Coordinate with other relevant agencies and develop policies and plans
in respect of water resources used for farming, including sustainable mechanisms for
irrigation;

m) Study all plans, programs, or development projects, that affect water
resources, its diversion or abstraction, and the construction of hydraulic facilities,
including plans and projects in watershed or basin areas of water supply sources,
which have direct or indirect impact on the affected locality's water resources;

n) Review from time to time regulations prescribed by any government
agency pertaining to water use, exploitation, development, conservation, or protection
of waters, water resources and watershed or basin areas;

0) 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;

p) Require local government units (LGUs) and national agencies to submit

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zoning and land use plan shall become effective and enforceable unless and until a
certification of integration of water, and sanitation resource management plan has
been issued by the Department;

q) Provide technical assistance to water, sewer and sanitation users,
including farmers and LGUs, whether directly or in coordination with other agencies,
to assist them in applying for water permits and providing data on water and
sanitation resource usage;

r) Provide integrated planning for flood control, flood risk management
and water resource development and management systems, and other public works;

8) Issue and promulgate rules, regulations and guidelines as may be
necessary to implement and enforce its powers and functions under this Act;

ty Appoint, hire and maintain adequate staff and personnel, advisers or
consultants with suitable qualifications and experience, as may be necessary; and

u) Exercise such other powers and functions necessary or incidental or
that which the President may, from time to time assign to the Department to carry
out the objectives of this Act and for the effective administration and management of
water and sanitation.

SEC. 5. Department Secretary; Powers and Functions. - The authority
and responsibility for the exercise of the mandate of the Department and for the
discharge of its powers and functions shall be vested in the Secretary of the
Department, hereinafter referred to as the Secretary, who shall be appointed by the
President of the Philippines.

The Secretary shall exercise the following powers and functions:

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 Department;

b) Establish the policies and standards for the operation of the
Department pursuant to the President's guidelines; and

)  Promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the objectives,
policies and functions of the Department.

No person shall be appointed Secretary unless the appointee possesses
extensive knowledge of public administration and has a minimum seven (7) years of
experience in the administration of water resources or sanitation programs,
preferably in a public agency.

SEC, 6. Office of the Secretary. - The Office of the Secretary shall be
composed of the Secretary and immediate staff.

SEC. 7. Undersecretaries. - The Secretary shall be assisted by not more
than three (3) Undersecretaries, who shall be appointed by the President upon the
recommendation of the Secretary. The Secretary is hereby authorized to delineate
and assign the respective functional areas of responsibility of the Undersecretaries
with respect to the mandate and objectives of the Department.

Within the functional area of responsibility, an Undersecretary shall have the
following functions:

a) Advise and assist the Secretary in the formulation and implementation


of Department policies, plans, programs and projects;

b) Supervise all the operational activities of the assigned units for which
the Undersecretary is responsible to the Secretary; and

©) Perform such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or
delegated by the Secretary to promote efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of
public services or as may be required by this Act or other laws.

One (1) of the Undersecretaries shall be the Undersecretary for Planning who
shall have primary responsibility, in coordination with the Planning Service, for
advancing domestic efforts in the pursuit of the ultimate goal of universal access to
water supply and sanitation systems, and sustainable management of water
resources. The Undersecretary for Planning shall also have primary responsibility
for knowledge sharing and advancement of efforts around the integration of water,
energy, environment and food security.

The Undersecretaries must possess a working knowledge of public
administration and must have a minimum of five (5) years of experience in the
administration of water or sanitation programs, preferably in a public agency or with
legal or financial knowledge of such programs.

The Undersecretaries shall exercise the powers and functions as provided
under Section 10, Chapter 2, Book IV of the Administrative Code of 1987.

SEC. 8. Assistant Secretaries. - The Secretary shall also be assisted by
five (5) Assistant Secretaries appointed by the President of the Philippines upon the
recommendation of the Secretary: one (1) for the Monitoring and Information
Service; one (1) for the Planning Service; one (1) for the Comptrollership and
Financial Management Service; and one (1) for the Administrative and Human
Resource Management Service

The Assistant Secretaries must possess a working knowledge of public
administration and must have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in the
administration of water or sanitation programs, or other public works programs.

The Assistant Secretaries shall perform such duties and functions as may be
assigned by the Secretary or provided for by law.

SEC. 9. Organizational Structure. — The Department shall be composed of
the following organizational units:

a) Department proper consisting of the Office of the Secretary, the Offices
of the Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, the Administrative and Human
Resource Management, Monitoring and Information Service, Planning Service, and
Comptrollership and Financial Management;

b) The National Water Resources Board, whose mandate, powers and
functions are found in Presidential Decree No, 424, as amended;

©) The Local Water Utilities Administration, whose mandate, powers and
functions are defined in Presidential Decree No. 198, as amended;

d) The National Irrigation Administration, whose mandate, power and
functions are stated in Republic Act No. 3601, as amended and Presidential Decree
No. 552, as amended;

) The Laguna Lake Development Authority, whose mandate, powers and
functions are laid out in Republic Act No. 4850, as amended;

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f) The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, which was created by
Executive Order No. 54, Series of 1999, as amended;

2) The Water Management Bureau, which is tasked to enforce and
implement Republic Act No. 9275 and all environmental laws related to water
management and conservation;

h) Any other agency exercising water resources management,
conservation and protection functions which the President may order to be
transferred to the Department; and

i) Regional offices, as deemed appropriate and necessary by the
Secretary.

SEC. 10. Administrative and Manpower Management Service. — The
Administrative and Manpower Management Service of the Department is responsible
for providing the Department with services relating to human resources
development, personnel, records, facilities maintenance, medical and dental,
security, and property and procurement services. For such purposes, it shall have
the following functions:

a) Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to internal administration
and human resources management;

b) Prepare and implement an integrated personnel plan that includes
provisions on merit promotions, performance evaluation, job rotation, suggestions
and incentive awards systems, and health and welfare services;

) _, Provide services related to human resources training, education, and
development, including manpower, career planning and forecasting, and
development of indigenous training materials;

d) 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;

e) Secure and maintain necessary Department 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;

f) Coordinate with the appropriate government agencies for a more
efficient conduct of administrative processes;

2) Develop, establish, and maintain an efficient records system;

h) Provide assistance in its area of specialization to the Department
proper, bureaus, and regional offices and, when requested, the government
agencies and corporations attached to the Department; and

i) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be
assigned or delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by law.

SEC. 11. Monitoring and Information Service. — The Monitoring and
Information Service is responsible for providing the Secretary timely reports on the
status of various Department projects and activities and develop and implement
information programs for mass dissemination in coordination with the appropriate
government agencies.


The Monitoring and Information Service shall have the following functions:

a) Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to monitoring and public
information;

b) Develop and maintain a system for retrieving and processing
monitoring information on all projects and activities of concern to the Secretary;

¢) Provide accurate and timely status and exception reports to the
Secretary;

d) Generate monitoring reports for the President, the Cabinet, or for any
other purpose as required by the Secretary;

e) Develop and supervise the implementation of communications
programs to have relevant policies, programs, and plans of the Department
understood by the public;

f Produce and supervise the dissemination of media materials in line
with national government public information programs;

2) Coordinate with the appropriate national government agencies tasked
with public information affairs; and

h) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be
assigned or delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by law.

SEC. 12. Planning Service. — The Planning Service is responsible for
providing the Department with the capability to undertake infrastructure development
planning and programming, For this purpose, it shall have the following functions:

a) _, Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to infrastructure planning;

b) Assist the Undersecretary for Planning on all matters related to the
specific functions of the position:

c) Formulate strategies and priorities for infrastructure development
consistent with national development objectives and initiate or undertake relevant
surveys for development planning;

d) Formulate long-range, medium-term, and annual development plans
and programs for infrastructure, including flood control, water resource development
systems, and other public works projects, including phasing of implementation and
review and integrate land use plans with these water development plans;

) __ Identify priority packages for infrastructure development, including flood
control, water resource development systems, and other public works projects, and
undertake or supervise and evaluate the conduct of feasibility studies and project
preparation thereof,

f) Prioritize project implementation and the allocation of funds and other
resources and package project proposals for funding and implementation:

2) Evaluate and appraise all regional interregional infrastructure
development plans and programs as to their feasibility and consistency with
approved strategies and long and medium-term plans;

h) Initiate regular Department-wide planning exercises and act as the
secretariat thereof;

i) Gather, analyze, and organize needed statistical data and information;

a) Provide technical assistance related to its functions to the other
services, bureaus, and the regional offices as needed; and


k) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be
assigned or delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by law.

SEC. 13. Comptrollership and Financial Management Service. — The
Comptrollership and Financial Management Service is responsible for providing the
Department 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 Secretary 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 Department proper, bureaus, and regional
offices;

d) Provide assistance in its area of specialization to any unit of the
Department and, when requested, to government corporations and councils attached
to the Department; and

©) Review and appraise systems and procedures, organizational
structure, assets management practices, accounting, and other records, reports, and
performance standards such as budgets and standard costs of the Department
proper, bureaus, and regional offices;

f) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be
assigned or delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by law.

SEC. 14. Legal Service. - The Legal Service is responsible for providing the
Department with services on such legal affairs as contract letting and litigation, legal
and legislative research, complaints and investigation, legal counseling, and other
matters of law. For such purposes, it shall have the following functions:

a) Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to legal affairs;

b) Prepare Department contracts and legal instruments, review and
interpret all contracts and agreements entered into by the Department, and evaluate
all legal proposals;

¢) Conduct administrative investigation as well as the review of
administrative charges against officers and employees of the Department;

d) Exercise functional jurisdiction over the legal staffs of regional offices;

e) Provide legal assistance to the Department proper, the bureaus, and
regional offices and, when requested, the attached corporations; and

fy Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be
assigned or delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by law.

SEC. 15. Regional Office. - Regional offices shall be responsible for flood
control, water resource development systems, and other public works within their
regional jurisdiction. For this purpose, their duties and responsibilities shall be as
follows:

a) Undertake and evaluate the planning, design, construction, and works

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supervision functions of the Department for the infrastructure projects within the
region;

b) Undertake the maintenance of the infrastructure within the region and
supervise the maintenance of such local infrastructure receiving national government
financial assistance as the Secretary may determine;

) Ensure the implementation of laws, policies, programs, rules, and
regulations regarding the infrastructure as well as all public and private physical
structures;

d) Provide technical assistance related to their functions to 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 infrastructure projects;

f) Conduct continuing consultations with the local communities, take
appropriate measures to make the services of the Department responsive to the
needs of the general public, compile and submit such information to the central
office, and recommend such appropriate actions as may be necessary; and

2) Perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be
assigned or delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by law.

The Department shall retain and have such project management offices as
may be required, which shall be under the supervision and control of the appropriate
regional director, unless otherwise determined by the Secretary for reasons of supra-
regional scope, magnitude, and multi-functional coverage.

SEC. 16. Regional Director. — The 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 regional office. Towards this end, the regional
director shall, within the defined powers, exercise functional and administrative
supervision over district offices within the region including the authority to commit
their resources and personnel to integrated regional water management and flood
control and flood risk management initiatives. The regional director shall also
perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned or
delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by law.

The regional director shall be assisted by one (1) assistant regional director
who shall exercise supervision the planning, project design, evaluation, and
technical assistance functions of the regional office.

CHAPTER Ill
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

SEC. 17. Interface with Other Sector Regulators. —

a) The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) shall
continue to have the primary authority and responsibility for protecting the
environment and shall complement the Department's responsibility for the
conservation of water and related natural resources, including protecting water
bodies from waste and pollution. It shall continue to promulgate rules, regulations,
and standards in this regard. The Department shall coordinate with the DENR with

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respect to the conservation of water resources.

b) The Department of Health (DOH) shall have primary authority and
responsibility for determining and enforcing drinking water quality and sanitation
standards. The Department shall coordinate with the DOH to achieve an integrated
approach for sanitation, including collection, treatment, and evaluation of
wastewater,

¢) The Department shall share responsibility with the Department of
Public Works and Highways for wholly or primarily water-related public works
projects including flood control, water resources development, sewerage, sanitation,
and the harnessing and impounding of water. The Secretaries of each department
shall coordinate on the development of evaluation criteria, as necessary, to
determine proper allocation of public works projects between the two departments.

4) The Department shall coordinate with the Department of Agriculture to
ensure availability of water for agricultural development, reduce sources of long
term pollution for surface water and groundwater, and agricultural and industrial
economic development through irrigation, water recycling and treating wastewater.

SEC. 18. Transfer of Rights and Obligations. - The Department 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 functions
have been transferred to the Department.

The transfer of powers and functions as indicated in the preceding paragraph,
as applicable, and agencies attached thereto, as herein provided for, shalll take effect
within one hundred eighty (180) days after 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 as provided for
under this Act.

All rights and obligations of said government agencies are hereby transferred
to and assumed by the Department 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. 19. Separation from Service. — Employees separated from
government service as a result of this Act shall, within six (6) months from their
separation from the service, receive the benefits to which they may be entitled under
existing laws, rules, and regulations.

SEC. 20. Funding. —- The sum of One hundred million pesos
(P100,000,000.00) shall be set aside from any available funds of the National
Treasury, and is hereby appropriated and authorized to be released, for the
organization of the Department and its initial operations.

Thereafter, funds sufficient to fully carry out the objectives, powers, and
functions of the Department shall be included in the annual General Appropriations
Act.

The Department shall submit its annual budget, which shall include, among
others, detailed information on the compensation and benefits received by their
employees, to the Office of the President for approval.

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SEC. 21. Periodic Performance Evaluation. - The Department is hereby
required to formulate and enforce a system of measuring and evaluating periodically
and objectively the performance of the Department and submit the same annually to
the President.

SEC. 22. Prohibition Against Organizational Change. — No change in the
organizational structure herein prescribed shall be valid except upon prior approval
of the President for the purpose of promoting efficiency and effectiveness in the
delivery of public services.

SEC. 23. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain
in full force and effect.

SEC. 24. Repealing Clause. - The provisions on the charter creating the
following agencies which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby amended or
modified accordingly, to wit;

a) National Water Resources Board under Presidential Decree No. 424 as
amended;

b) The Local Water Utilities Administration created by Presidentail Decree
No, 198 as amended;

c) The National Irrigation Administration Republic Act No. 3601 as amended:

Furthermore, sub-sections 4(i) and 4(ee) of Republic Act No. 9275, entitled
“Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004,” Section 1 of Executive Order No. 860, entitled
“Redefining the Composition and Powers of the National Water Resources Board,”
Series of 2010, Section 49 of Presidential Decree No. 198, entitled “Declaring a
National Policy Favoring Local Operation and Control of Water Systems; Authorizing
the Formation of Local Water Districts and Providing for the Government and
Administration of such Districts; Chartering a National Administration to Facilitate
Improvement of Local Water Utilities; Granting said Administration such Powers as
are Necessary to Optimize Public Service from Water Utility Operations, and For
Other Purposes,” as amended, Executive Order No. 165, entitled “Transferring the
National Food Authority, National Irrigation Administration, Philippine Authority, and
Fertilizer and Pesticides Authority to the Office of the President,” Series of 2014,
Section 3.3(b) of Executive Order No. 149, entitled “Streamlining of the Office of the
President,” Series of 1993, and Section 3(h) of Executive Order No. 54, entitled
“Creating the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission,” Series of 1999, are hereby
amended or modified accordingly to be consistent with this Act.

Accordingly, all laws, presidential decrees, letters of instructions, executive
orders, rules, regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof which are contrary to
or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are likewise, revoked, repealed,
amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 25. Effectivity. - 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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