NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
(®fficp of t!)c
■22 AUG-4 A 9 29
SENATE
S, No. 1021
RECEIVED
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR WATER RESOURCE 
MANAGEMENT AND CREATING THE DEPARTI^ENT OF WATER RESOURCES 
AND THE WATER REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEFINING THEIR 
MANDATES, POWERS AND FUNCIONS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Water is one of the most important resources in the world. The Philippines, 
as an archipelagic country, is gifted with this resource In abundance. However, 
mismanagement and unsustainable consumption of water continues to be a major 
predicament of the country.
According to the article, "Water shortage in the Philippines threatens 
sustainable development and health" published by the World Health Organization 
(WHO) on March 22, 2019, around 1 In 10 people In the Philippines still do not have 
access to improved watei sources. This results to diseases, serious health 
consequences, and even death. As stated In the article, "When water is scarce, 
people are often forced to rely on drinking water sources that may not be safe. They 
may also lack sufficient water for basic hygiene - to wash themselves and their 
clothes, and to prevent inferJiion including from foodborne and waterborne diseases. 
Low or negative water pressure In pipes due to short supply can attract 
contaminants that will put water quality at risk when the supply Is restored. In 
addition, limited supply obliges people to store more water. If not handled properly.


this will provide more opportunity for mosquitoes to breed and consequently 
increase the cases of mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever."
The government needs to Immediately address these concerns by providing 
comprehensive and long-term solutions. Congruent with the international efforts 
under the auspices of the WHO, the concerned government agencies should 
intensify its efforts to develop and implement water safety planning, to strengthen 
systems and capacity for drifiking water quality surveillance and monitoring, and to 
improve water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Such endeavor Is consistent with Sustainable Development Goal 6 which 
seeks to provide clean wate” and sanitation for all. Among the targ^its under this 
SDG are the achievement of universal and equitable access to safe and affordable 
drinking water for all; Improvement of water quality by reducing pollution, 
eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, 
halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling 
and safe reuse globally; and implementation of integrated water resources 
management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as 
appropriate.
The National Water Act' seeks to rationalize the management of water 
resources, sewerage, and sanitation through the creation of the Department of 
Water Resources. The Department shall be the primary agency responsible for the 
comprehensive and Integrated identification and mapping of all water resources, 
planning, policy formulatior., and management ot the ownership, appropriation, 
utilization, exploitation, development, and protection of water resources in the 
Philippines.
The bill also establishes the Water Regulatory Commission which shall be 
placed under the administrative supervision of the Department of Water Resources. 
To ensure coherent and coordinated management of water resources, the economic 
regulatory units and functions of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System


(MWSS), National Water Resources Board (NWRB), Local Water Utilities 
Administration (LWUA), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Philippine 
Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone 
Authority (TIEZA) will be tra nsferred to the Commission.
This measure was reported out by the Committees on Government 
Reorganization, Public Works and Highways, Ways and Means, and Appropriations in 
the House of Representatives in the IS01 Congress.
In view of the foregoing, the swift passage of this measure is highly 
recommended.
IGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA
* 3


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
ot tl)e
*22 AUG -4 A 9 '29
SENATE
S. No. 1021
mimo 3Y.
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Fjercito Estrada
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR WATER RESOURCE 
MANAGEMENT AND CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES 
AND THE WATER REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEFINING THEIR 
MANDATES, POWERS AND FUNCIONS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
CHAPTER I
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as theNational Water Act'.
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - Access to water is a basic huf ian right. All 
water belongs to the State which shall govern its development and utilization for the 
people.
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.
In pursuit of this policy, this Act shall have the principal objective of ensuring 
and accelerating universal access to water supply and sanitation services, in a 
regulatory regime that encourages responsible private sector participation, and shall 
foster and prioritize the establishment of infrastructure and public works that adopt 
innovative solutions and international best practices to address the challenges of


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
climate change. Further, all water and water treatment infrastructure projects are 
hereby declared as projects imbued with national interest.
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act;
(a) Buik water suppiier refers to any entity, natural or juridical, whether public or 
private, supplying or intending to supply large quantities of raw or treated 
water to buyers who will use these for their own consumption, such as 
industrial companies, or for retail distribution to consumers such as water 
service providers or real estate developers managing their ovm distribution 
network.
(b) Environmentai services refer to qualitative functions of natural non-produced 
assets of land, water, and air, including related ecosystems, and their biota, 
and which may be categorized into three (3) basic types: (1) disposal services 
which reflect the functions of the natural environment as an absorptive sink 
for residuals; (2) productive services which reflect the economic functions of 
providing natural resource inputs and space for production and consumption; 
and, (3) consumer or consumption services which provide for physiological as 
well as recreational ar»d related needs of human beings.
(c) Fiood Controi 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 flow, and hyper-concentrated flows or 
debris flows.
(d) Fiood 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, preparedness, and early warning, and response and recovery. 
The elements of FRM include: integrating land-use planning and coastal zone 
management Into water management; adopting a holistic approach so that 
FRM is part of wider risk or multi-hazard management of earthquakes, 
landslides, and storm surges; managing risk and uncertainty as a whole so it 
not only mitigates hydrological uncertainties but also social, economic and


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
political uncertainties on account of human behavior and the cultural 
dimension of FRM.
(e) Gender Equality refers to the principle asserting the equality of men and 
women and their right to enjoy equal conditions realizing their full human- 
potentials to contribuie to and benefit from the results of development, and 
with the State recognizing that all human beings are free and equal in dignity 
and rights.
(f) Infrastructure and public works refer only to wholly or primarily water-related 
projects and does not include projects that do not fall within the purview of 
the objectives, power and duties of the Department of Water Resources 
created under this Act.
(g) Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) refers to a systematic, 
collaborative, and mii'ti-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.
(h) Iei^els of water supply refer to communal sources of water described 
according to location and size of the recipient human settlement as follows:
(1) Level I or the point source is a protected well or a developed spring 
with an outlet but without any distribution system, generally adaptable 
to rural and upland areas where houses are thinly scattered, and is a 
facility which usually serves an average of fifteen (15) households.
(2) Level II or the communal faucet system or stand posts is a system 
composed of a water source, a reservoir, a piped distribution network, 
and communa. faucets where one faucet serves four (4) to six (6) 
households and is generally suitable for rural and urban fringe areas 
where houses are clustered densely to justify a simple piped system.
(3) Level III or the waterworks system or individual house connections is a 
system with a water source, a reservoir, a piped distribution network 
and household taps, suitable for densely populated urban areas.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(i) License refers to the Water Supply and/or Sanitation Services Operating 
License that the Water Regulatory Commission is authorized to grant and 
issue to service providers.
(j) Licensee refers to a service provider to whom a license is granted or issued by 
the Water Regulatory Commission.
(k) Missionary Water Se/vices refer to water supply or services to areas that have 
no existing safe water supply and services due to geographic limitation or 
absence of economic and market viability.
(l) National Water Resources Management Plan (NWRMP) refers to a policy 
document that contains a framework to guide the development and 
management of all the water resources in the Philippines, the general 
strategies and work to be pursued to ensure the sustainability of the resource 
towards water security, and top-level direction on the utilization of existing 
water resources in line with national development plans, policies, and 
programs. In accordance with the IWRM framework. The NWRMP shall also 
Include a water Infrastructure development program on all waters of the 
country as well as provide general guidance on how this shall be supported 
within an integrated tinancing framework that can draw from public, private 
and international development funding sources.
(m) 
Net Waste Load refers to the difference of the initial waste load of the 
abstracted water and the waste load of the final effluent discharge of an 
industry.
(n) Regulatory Units refer to the offices established under Section 20 of this Act 
which issue licenses authorizing the operation of Water Supply and Sanitation 
Services, and provide, review, determine, fix, and approve water and 
sewerage tariffs, rate^^, and charges that licensees may impose.
(o) RNer basin refers to an area of land drained by a stream or body of fixed 
water and its tributaries which have a common outlet for surface run-off.
(p) River Basin Organization (RBO) refers to multi-stakeholder organizations 
which plan, coordinate, and monitor activities within a river basin cluster.
(q) Sanitation refers to the provision of facilities and services for the safe 
management of human excreta, from toilet to containment, and storage and


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
treatment onsite or conveyance, treatment and eventual safe end use or 
disposal, and includes the safe management of solid w^te and animal waste.
(r) 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,
(s) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also known as the 17 Global Goals 
refer to the universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and 
ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030 adopted by all 
United Nations Members States in 2015.
(t) Septage is the liquid and solid materials pumped from a septic tank, cesspool, 
or other primary treatment source.
(u) Septage Management refers to the provision of proper collection, treatment, 
and disposal of septage.
(v) Service Area refers to the area covered by the water distribution system, 
sewerage, and/or septage management services.
(w) 
Service Provider refers to any entity, natural or juridical, whether 
private or public, providing or intending to provide Levels II and III water 
supply. Including bul': water suppliers, sewerage, septage treatment, and 
disposal services for domestic, residential. Industrial, or commercial use.
(x) Sewage refers to water borne human or animal wastes, excluding oil or oil 
waste, removed from residences, buildings, institutions, and Industrial and 
commercial establishments together with such groundwater, surface water 
and storm waters as may be present including such waste from vessels, 
offshore structures, other receptacles intended to receive or retain waste or 
other places or the combination thereof.
(y) Sewerage refers to any system or network of pipelines, ditches, channels or
, conduits including pumping stations, lift stations and force mains, service
connections Including other infrastructure, devices, or appliances appurtenant 
thereto, which include the collection, transport, pumping and treatment of 
sewage to a point of disposal.
(z) Sewers refers to pipes or such other works or structures which are built and 
constructed to carry, transport, and dispose sewage.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(aa) Soda! indusicn refers to the process of improving the terms for 
disadvantaged individuals and groups to take part in society.
(bb) Tariffs refers to such amounts which may be charged by licensees for 
their water supply and sanitation services based on principles, standards, and 
guidelines established by the Department of Water Resources.
(cc) Water Demand Management (WDM) refers to any method, whether 
technical, economic, administrative, financial, or social that will accomplish 
one or more of the following:
(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 of water;
(3) Reduce the loss In quantity or quality of water as it flows from source, 
through use, tc disposal;
(4) Shift the timing of use from peak to off-peak periods; and,
(5) Increase the ability of the water system to continue to serve society 
during times when water is In short supply.
(dd) Water Districts refer to government-owned and controlled corporations 
organized under Presidential Decree No. 198, as amended, created primarily 
to acquire, install, operate, maintain, and improve water supply and 
distribution systems for domestic, industrial and municipal uses of residents 
and to provide, maintain and operate waste water collection, treatment and 
disposal facilities within the boundaries of the district.
(ee) Water poilution refers to any alteration of the physical, chemical, 
biological, or radiological properties of a body of water resulting In the 
impairment of its purity or quality.
(ft) Water Resources refers to water under the ground or groundwater, water 
above the ground such as surface water, run-offs, floods, stormwater and 
urban drainage, treated wastewater, water in the atmosphere or rain water, 
and the waters of the sea within the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines, 
(gg) Water Resources Regions refer to tlie contiguous clus ters of river 
basins which are grouped together according to the hydrological boundaries.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
physiographic features, and homogeneity in climate, whether or not they 
straddle different local government units, for administrative purposes under 
the Department of Water Resources.
(hh) Water Service Provider (WSP) refers to the water district, any Local 
Government Unit (LGU)-run water utility, Barangay Waterworks and 
Sanitation Association (BWSA), Rural Waterworks Sanitation Association 
(RWSA), cooperative and private sector entity that provides water supply 
services to any given area.
(ii) Water suppiy service refers to any activity comprising Levels I, II, and III 
water supply includirg bulk suppliers, suppliers to subdivisions, and other 
water service providers.
CHAPTER II
THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES
Sec. 4. The Department of Water Resources. - There is hereb'/ created and 
established the Department of Water Resources, hereinafter referred to as the 
Department.
Sec. 5. Mandate of the Department - The Department shall be the primary 
agency responsible for the comprehensive and integrated identification and mapping 
of ail water resources, planning, policy formulation, and management of the 
ownership, appropriation, utilization, exploitation, development and protection od 
water resources In the Philippines to ensure the optimal use thereof for domestic 
and municipal water supply, sanitation, irrigation, hydropower. Industry, navigation, 
flood management, and recreation except fisheries or aquaculture.
The Department shall also be the primary agency responsible for the planning 
and policy formulation towards the attainment of universal access to safe, adequate, 
affordable, and sustainable water supply, and improved sanitation services for all 
Filipinos.
The Department shall be the primary national agency to enforce Presidential 
Decree No. 1067, otherwise known as "The Water Code of the Philippines" and 
Republic Act No. 9275, otherwise known as the "Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004".
The Department shall exercise the powers and functions of the defunct Pasig 
River Rehabilitation Commission created under Executive Order No. 54, series of


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
1999 and abolished under Executive Order No. 93, series of 2019, specifically the 
following roles that were tr?.nsferred to the Manila Bay Task Force and Department 
of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the latter Executive Order:
(a) Update and take the lead in the overall implementation of the Pasig River 
Rehabilitation Master Plan, which shall harness the Pasig River's potential for 
transportation, recrc'^tion and tourism purposes while undertaking the 
rehabilitation and restoration of its marine life; and,
(b) Ensure that the easements provided for in the Civil Code of the Philippines 
and other relevant laws are enforced, especially in all the esteros and 
waterways that drain into the Pasig River, as well as abate the dumping of 
untreated industrial v;astewater and sewerage into the river. Including ail acts 
and omissions In violation of Presidential Decree (PD) No. 984, series of 1976, 
as amended, entitled, "Providing for the Revision of Republic Act No. 3931, 
Commonly Known as The Pollution Control Law, and for Other Durposes", PD 
No. 274, series of 1973, entitled, "Pertaining to the Preservation, 
Beautification, Improvement and Gainful Utilization of the Pasig River, 
Providing for the Regulation and Control of Pollution of the River and its 
Banks in Order to Enhance Its Development, thereby Maximizing its Utilization 
for Socio-Economic Purposes", and other related laws.
Sec. 6. Guiding Principies. - In the pursuit of its mandate, the Department 
shall be guided by the following key principles:
(a) The concept of good water governance for water security and sufficiency shall 
be adopted across c?'l levels of governance by stakeholders such as the 
national government, local government, non-government organizations, 
private organizations, individuals, even global societal actors, and in various 
sectors such as water supply. Irrigation, fisheries, hydropower, navigation, 
ecosystem services, flood management, climate change, and recreation. It 
shall entail publicly transparent, socially accountable, and multi-stakeholder 
participatory water policy planning, management, and decision-making 
process.
(b) Access to safe water supply and improved sanitation Is a human right that 
needs to be fulfilled and protected.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(c) Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) shall be adopted as the 
basic framework which is the coordinated development and management of 
water, land, and related resources within hydrological boundaries to optimize 
economic and social welfare without compromising the sustainability of vital 
ecosystems. The IWRM Framework shall include an enabling environment 
that utilizes proper policies, legal Instruments, and institutionch frameworks 
for effective Implementation, participatory and collaborative water policy and 
management decisions, and management instruments for efficient use of 
updates and accurate data, science-based decision support systems, proper 
information, education, communication (lEC) programs, assessment and 
allocation tools, or regulatory functions. IT shall observe the mutual 
accountability mechanism among stakeholders at the national, regional, and 
global levels reinforcing multi-stakeholder decision-making following a 
framework with specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely actions.
(d) Each river basin has is unique characteristics relating to the physical, socio 
cultural, and other aspects, and water management shall be performed at 
river-basin level. Involving all the stakeholders at that particular river basin.
(e) Integrated and accurate data collection and analysis and the use of scientific 
decision support systems shall be undertaken ?n water resources management 
Including flood modeling and warning systems that are essential for an 
effective, efficient, and sustainable water resources management system.
(0 The development of water resources shall include strategies for the mitigation 
of water-related hazards and climate change adaptation,
(g) Water resources and services should be provided where they are Intended 
and most needed so that water is fairly and sustainably managed.
(h) The proper operation and maintenance of waterworks systems resulting in the 
uninterrupted and adequate supply and distribution of potable water for 
domestic and other purposes, and the proper operation and maintenance of 
sewerage systems which are essential services to public health and safety, 
are to be ensured at all times. The State shall therefore supervise and control 
the establishment, operation, and maintenance of such systems.
Sec. 7. Objectives of the Department - The Department shall:


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(a) Promote and adopt water demand management as a national policy to ensure 
that water is optimized, that water efficiency and conservation ’lecome a way 
of life, that the recycling and reuse of water and treated wastewater are 
widely practiced, that water is properly priced to encourage efficient use and 
conservation and that rainwater, flood waters, and run-offs are captured or 
harvested, stored and treated for future use;
(b) Prioritize and seek tiie intermediate attainment of universal access to safe, 
adequate, affordable and sustainable water supply and improved sanitation 
services for all Filipinos in a manner consistent with the protection, 
preservation, and revival of the quality of the country's water resources, and 
to adopt all needed measures to advance the right of the people to a 
balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of 
nature.
(c) Strengthen and coordinate Integrated water resources management planning 
and policy making to ensure sustainable and fair allocation and efficient use 
of water resources among competing uses and users;
(d) Ensure that integrated water resources management is strongly coordinated 
with land use and coastal and multi-hazard planning and management;
(e) Develop sustainably, and manage water sources and water resources toward 
water security, taking into consideration water, land, and related resources 
aimed at increasing water dependability for different uses, optimizing 
economic benefits and social welfare without compromising the sustainability 
of vital environmental systems;
(f) Strengthen and coordinate policy making and planning towards ensuring the 
availability of water for food security and energy security, as well as towards 
the protection of communities and environments against flood and other 
water induced hazards including sediment hazards;
(g) Ensure that the strategy for water resources development and conservation is 
participatory, and that planners, policymakers and users including community 
members are involved at al levels;
(h) Develop a standardized pricing framework for water use that accounts for 
environmental externe'itles; and,
10


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(i) Ensure that all sources of water, including surface water, groundwater, 
rainwater, and floodwater are identified, mapped, monitored, conserved and 
managed for productive use and the resulting wastewater is managed 
properly, reused, and responsibly disposed of following approved 
environmental standards.
Sec. 8. Powers and Functions of the Department - The Department shall 
have the following powers and functions:
I. Policymaking and Planning
(a) Ensure that Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is 
adopted as the strategic framework for water management 
policymakino and planning in the country and coordinate the 
implementation, promotion, revision and enhancement of IWRM 
plans;
(b) Formulate policies, 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, 
stormwater utilization, and urban drainage. Such policies shall, 
among other guidelines, integrate the issues of water and sanitation, 
food security, energy, environment and flood control, end climate;
(c) Formulate and develop policies to pi omote universal access to safe, 
adequate, affordable, and sustainable water supply, and Improved 
sanitation services for all Filipinos;
(d) Regularly update, every five (5) years or as deemed necessary by 
the Departrnent, and In consultation with other agencies and 
stakeholders, the NWRMP following the IWRM framework and 
integrate therein a national land use plan;
(e) Undertake river basin survey, inventory and appraisal of water and 
related reso'frces, and develop comprehensive basin-vvide plans of 
storage, retardation, and control to maximize conservation and 
multipurpose use of water in the basin;
(f) Conduct continuing hydrological and hydrometeorological surveys 
and studies of the country's renewable water supply, and establish,
11


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
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;
(g) Strengthen and coordinate policy making and planning for flood 
management, integrated with stormwater or urban drainage and 
appropriate retention or retarding basins in order to harvest and 
water, and to plan against, prevent, and minimize the detrimental 
and catastrophic effects of flooding;
(h) Assist and provide the National Economic and Development 
Authority (NEDA) with the required data and input from the water 
sector in the formulation of the country's short-term and long-term 
strategic development plans and actions, and recommend to the 
NEDA Board the adoption of general policies and guidelines for 
water resources development;
(i) Review, approve, and provide oversight over ail water-related 
development plans and programs of any agency within the context 
of the NWRNP, and overall national plans and programs;
(j) Develop and Implement, in coordination with other relevant 
agencies, effective codes, standards, benchmarks, and reasonable 
guidelines to ensure the safety of all public and private water 
structures in the country, and assure efficiency and proper quality in 
the construction of water, sanitation, irrigaticn, hydropower, flood 
control and drainage infrastructure;
(k) Ensure that gender equality, social Inclusion, environmental 
protection, climate resiliency, and disaster risk reduction are 
integrated into any water resource management planning, policy 
making, and the design and construction of water infrastructure;
12


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
II.
(l) Ensure that the planning and design of water infrastructure 
considers the highest efficiency and most appropriate technology 
and quality, m accordance with national development t bjectives;
(m) 
Review existing guidelines appropriate for private sector 
participation in the water sector and submit recommendations to the 
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of NEDA and other 
concerned agencies to promote and enable more PPPs in the sector;
(n) Build a central repository of water data and effect inter-sectoral. 
Inter-agency, and inter-departmental coordination on al aspects of 
data gathering and management for water resources development 
planning and compel the submission of statistics and data on water 
utilization with the aim of operationalizing the integrated approach 
to water resources management;
(o) Ensure the effective implementation of all the provisions of Republic 
Act No. 9275, Presidential Decree No. 1067, and Sections 9, 10, 11, 
12, and 13, Chapter II of Presidential Decree No. 856, otherwise 
known as the "Code of Sanitation of the Philippines";
(p) Promote Philippine participation in Information sharing and 
education on best practices in support of International efforts to 
achieve universal access to safe water and improved sanitation; and 
the Integration of water, energy, environment and food security; 
and,
(q) Issue and promulgate rules, regulations and guidelines as may be 
necessary to Implement and enforce its powers and functions under 
this Act.
Resource Regulation
(a) Manage and conserve the country's water resources to ensure the 
optimal use thereof for domestic water supply, sanitation, irrigation, 
hydropower, navigation, flood control, and recreation purposes, and 
enhance and maintain water quality, conserve watersheds, control 
water pollution, and restore the environment, without compromising 
the natural ecosystem functions and services;
13


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(b) Regulate and control the utilization, abstraction, diversion and 
development of water resources, taking in consideration their 
equitable distribution among competing demands and determine the 
standards of beneficial and priority uses of water In times of crisis 
and national emergencies;
(c) Formulate, promulgate, and enforce rules and regulations for the 
development and optimum use of water resources and its 
administration and management. Including coherent water protocols, 
operating rules of all existing and future water Infrastructure; 
general criteria, methods and standards for basic data collection and 
project identification, formulation and planning, and appropriate 
sanctions to be Imposed for non-compliance;
(d) Regularly review regulations prescribed by any government agency 
pertaining to water use, exploitation, development, and conservation 
or protection of waters, water resources, and watershed or basin 
areas with respect to this Act;
(e) Impose fees or charges, as may be deemed necessary for water 
resources conservation and protection, such as;
(1) Polluter's Fee, which shall be based on the new waste load 
depending on the wastewater charge formula pursuant to 
Republic Act No. 9275;
(2) Raw water price, which shall take Into account, among others, 
the scarcity of water; and,
(3) Appropriate payment structures for environmental services;
(f) Deputize LG Us to collect the national fees or charges for resource 
regulation within their respective jurisdictions;
(g) Collect, regularly update, monitor, and analyze water resources data 
Including climatology, hydrological and other water-related data and 
ensure that such data is easily accessible by relevant and authorized 
users;
(h) Establish, operate, and maintain observation station networks and a 
centralized water resources data center or the scientific survey and
14


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
III.
appraisal of surface and groundwater potentials of the country, and 
determine the annual renewable water available per water resources 
region;
(I) Maintain a database that will contain updated relevant information 
on water data which be accessible by relevant and authorized users'
(j) Develop and continuously update a computerized decision support 
system that incorporates data management systems relating to 
acquisition and database, model base in terms of physical design, 
planning and decision models, and user-friendly interface concerning 
graphical and visualization tools;
(k) Conduct and promote special studies and research on water 
economics and other water resources development and 
management Issues and concerns such as climate change, weather 
modification, flood monitoring and modeling, environmental quality, 
and desalination; and,
(l) Raise public awareness through information, education and 
communication program, and build capacities for informed 
participation In water resources management at the national and 
river-basin level.
Institutional Arrangement with Public Water Organizations
(a) Develop guidelines including rules of partnership, between and 
among the Department, field offices of national government 
agencies, LCDs and other stakeholders In water resource 
management, and facilitate the establishment of multi-stakeholder 
river basin organizations (RBOs) per river basin, and strengthen and 
support existing RBOs and monitor their activities;
(b) Develop materials for capacity building and training of prospective 
RBOs;
(c) Authorize itc representatives or any deputized agent to enter any 
property of public dominion with or without prior notice and consent, 
any private land, building or enclave, whether Inhabited or not, for 
the purpose of conducting hydrologic surveys and investigations,
15


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
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 farmers, 
communities, and LGUs and other water service providers (WSP) 
whether directly or in coordination with other agencies on ail aspects 
of integrated water resources management;
(e) Respond to consumer complaints, and ensure the adequate 
promotion of consumer interests;
(f) Deputize agents, whether from the public or private sector, to assist 
in the performance of any of the powers and functions of the 
Department;
(g) Appoint, hire, and maintain adequate staff and personnel, advisers 
or consultants with suitable qualifications and experience, as 
necessary, subject to existing rules and regulations.
IV. Coordination
(a) Coordinate aiid 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, academe 
and private professional groups In 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 and 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 proactively with LGUs to ensure the integration of water 
resources development plans into their comprehensive land use
16


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
plans (CLUPs), Comprehensive Development Plans (CDPs) or 
Provincial Physical Framework and Development Plan (PPFDP).
V. Other Functions
(a) Create when necessary, water resource subsidiaries, 
instrumentalities, and entities to engage in water transmission, water 
distribution, waste water treatment and management, and sanitation 
in accordance with existing relevant laws.
(b) Enter Into contracts, joint venture agreements or understanding, 
public-private partnerships, and memorandum of agreements or 
understanding, either domestic or foreign, relating to investment and 
financing water-related projects, under such terms and conditions as 
the Department may deem proper and reasonable subject to existing 
laws.
(c) Exercise such other powers and functions necessary or incidental to 
the effective administration and management of the country's water 
resources.
Sec. 9. Secretary of the Department of Water Resources. - 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:
(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;
(c) Promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the objectives, 
policies, and functions of the Department;
(d) Exercise supervision and control over all bureaus and offices under the 
Department;
(e) Supervise ail attached agencies and corporations in accordance with law;
(f) Represent the Department in contracts, awards, and other similar 
agreements;
17


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(g) Delegate authority for the performance of any power or function, as defined 
herein to officials and employees under his direction as deemed appropriate;
(h) Act as the Chairperson of the governing board of the attached agencies of the 
Department;
(i) Designate and appoint officers and employees of the Department, excluding 
the Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, and Regional and Assistant 
Regional Directors, in accordance with the civil service laws, rules and 
regulations; and,
(j) Perform such other dijties and responsibilities as may be provided by law.
Sec. 10. Office of the Secretary. - The Office of the Secretary shall be
composed of the Secretary, Undersecretary, Assistant Secretary and the Secretary's 
immediate staff.
Sec. 11. Undersecref-aries. - The Secretary shall be assisted by not more 
than five (5) Undersecretaries, who shall be appointed by the President upon the 
recommendation of the Secretary namely: Undersecretary for Resource Regulation 
and Governance, Undersecretary for Inland Waters and Water for Agriculture, 
Undersecretary for Resource Development; Undersecretary for Planning and Policy, 
and Undersecretary for Missionary Water, Indigenous People, and Special Concerns.
The Secretary is hereby authorized to delineate and assign the respective 
functional areas of responsibility of the Undersecretaries in accordance with the 
mandate and objectives of the Department: Provided, That no Undersecretary shall 
be assigned purely to administrative responsibilities. Within their respective 
functional areas of responsibility, the Undersecretaries shall:
(a) Advise and assist the Secretary in the formulation and implementation of the 
policies, plans, programs and projects of the Department;
(b) Supervise all the operational activities of the assigned units for which the 
Undersecretary is responsible to the Secretary; and,
(c) Perform such other functions deemed necessary as may be assigned or 
delegated by the Secretary to promote efficiency and effectiveness In the 
delivery of public sen/bes or as may be required by law: Provided, That the 
Undersecretary for Planning and Policy shall, in coordination with the Planning 
and Policy Service, be primarily responsible for advancing current efforts In
18


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
attaining the ultimate goal of universal access to water supply and sanitation 
systems, and sustainable management of water resources under the SDGs, 
and the integration of water, energy, environment and food security.
Sec. 12. Assistant Secretaries. - The Secretary shall be assisted by six (6) 
Assistant Secretaries to be appointed by the President of the Philippines upon the 
recommendation of the Secretary: one (1) each for Planning and Policy Service, 
Decision Support System Service, Resource Regulatory Service, Comptrollership and 
Financial Management Service, Legal and Legislative Service, and Administrative and 
Human Resources Management Service.
No persons shall be appointed Secretary, Undersecretary and Assistant 
Secretary of the Department unless the person Is a citizen and resident of the 
Philippines, of good moral character, of proven integrity, competence and expertise 
in water resource management: Provided, That at least one (1) of the 
Undersecretaries and at least two (2) of the Assistant Secretaries shall be career 
officers.
Sec. 13. Organizationai Structure. - The Department shall be composed of 
the following organizational units:
(a) Department Proper. - The Department shall consist of the Office of Secretary, 
the Offices of the Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, the Internal 
Audit Office, the Public Affairs Office, the Water Pollution Adjudication Board, 
the Planning and Policy Service, Decision Support System Service, 
Administrative and Human Resources Service, Legal and Legislative Service, 
Comptrollership and Financial Management Service, Resource Regulation 
Service, and the Water Resources Regional Offices.
(b) Attached Agencies. - The Department shall exercise administrative 
supervision over the following agencies for purposes of policy and program 
coordination, monitoring, and evaluation:
(l)The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), whose mandate, 
powers, and functions are defined in Presidential Decree No. 198, as 
amended, otheiwise known as the "Public Water Utilities Act of 1973", 
shall be transferred from the Department of Public Works and 
Highways (DPWH) and attached to the Department. It shall continue
19


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
to primarily function as a specialized lending institution for the 
promotion, development, and financing of local water utilities. In the 
Implementation of its functions, the LWUA shall:
(i) prescribe minimum standards and regulations In order to assure 
acceptable standards of construction materials and supplies, 
maintenance, operation, personnel training, accounting and fiscal 
practices for local water utilities;
(ii) furnish technical assistance and personnel training programs for 
local water utilities;
(ili) monitor and evaluate local water standards; and,
(Iv) effect system integration, joint Investment and operation, district 
annexation and de-annexation whenever economically warranted as 
amended bv Section 22 of Presidential Decree No. 768.
(2) The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), whose 
mandate, powers, and functions are defined under Republic Act No. 
6234, as amended, entitled "An Act Creating the Metropolitan 
Waterworks and Sewerage System and Dissolving the National 
Waterworks and Sewerage Authority, and for Other Purposes", shall be 
transferred from the DPWH and attached to the Department: Provided, 
That the MWSS shall continue to facilitate the exercise by the 
concessionaires of their responsibility; carry out accounting and 
notification functions; monitor, report and administer leans; perform 
related functions in connection with existing projects; manage and 
dispose Its retained assets; and manage and operate the Umiray-Angat 
Transbasin Project.
(3) The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), whose man Jate, powers, 
and functions are defined under Republic Act No. 3601 as amended by 
Presidential Decree No. 552 and Presidential Decree No. 1702;
(4) The Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), whose mandate, 
powers and functions are defined under Republic Act No. 4850, as 
amended, entitled, "An Act Creating the Laguna Lake Development 
Authority, Prescribing Its Powers, Functions and Duties, Providing
20


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Funds Therefcr, and for Other Purposes" shall be transferred from the 
DENR and attached to the Department.
The LLDA shall continue to serve as the lake management and 
development authority similar to multi-stakeholder river basin 
organization and shall ensure the implementation of the Laguna Lake 
Master Plan vrhich shall be updated by the Department of ensure 
alignment with the NWRMP.
Any other agency performing water resources management, conservation and 
protection functions may be transferred to the Department as the President deems 
necessary.
(c) Offices, Functions and Personnel to be Completely Subsumed under the 
Department. - The following offices with their powers, functions, personnel, 
applicable funds and appropriations, records, equipment and property shall be 
subsumed under the Department:
(1) The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) with ail Its divisions and 
sections, whose mandate, powers and functions are provided In the 
Presidential Decree No. 424, as amended;
(2) The River Basifi Control Office (RBCC) of the DENR whose mandate, 
powers and functions are provided in Executive Order No. 510 and 
Executive Order No. 816, as amended;
(3) The Manila Bay Coordinating Office (MBCO) of the DENR which was 
strengthened by virtue of DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2011-01 
to coordinate the efforts of the fourteen (14) national agencies covered 
by the Mandamus Order of the Supreme Court to rehabilitate Manila 
Bay;
(4) The Water Resources Management Division of the Bureau of Soils and 
Water Management of the Department of Agriculture (DA);
(5) The Water Supply and Sanitation Unit of the Department of the Interior 
and Local Government (DILG); and,
(6) The Water Quality Management Section of the Environmental 
Management Bi:reau (EMB) of the DEN:(.
21


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(d) Functions to be Transferred to the Department. ~ The following functions of 
the respective agencies, bureaus, and units shall be transferred to the 
Department:
(1) The hydrological surveys and groundwater mapping function of the 
Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the DENR;
(2) The hydrological surveys monitoring of stream flow and water data 
collection function of the Bureau of Design and Bureau of Research 
and Standards of the DPWH;
(3) The protection and conservation of natural wetlands such as lakes, 
marshes, swa'iips of the BiodiversitN' Management Bureau of the 
DENR;
(4) The planning, programming, administration, monitoring, and 
management of the National Sewerage and Septage Management 
Program (NSSf/?P) by the DPWH;
(5) The flood management planning and sediment management function 
of the Flood Control Management Cluster of the DPWH;
(6) The Water Resource Management Division and the water research 
functions of the Soils and Water Research Division of the Bureau of 
Soils and Water Management under the Department of Agriculture 
(DA). All soil-related functions shall be retained under the Bureau 
which shall be renamed as the Bureau of Soils.
(e) Support Services. - The Department shall create the following support 
services:
(l)The Planning and Policy Service shall provide the Department with the 
capability to undertake water infrastructure development planning and 
programming, and shall exercise the following functions:
(i) Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to water resources 
planning;
(li) Assist the Undersecretary for Planning and Policy on all matters 
related to the specific functions of the position;
(ill) Formulate strategies and priorities for water resources management 
and development consistent with national development objectives,
22


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
and initiate or undertake relevant surveys for development 
planning;
(iv) Develop and regularly update a comprehensive and integrated 
National Water Resources Management Plan and ensure its 
integration into existing land use plans;
(v) Coordinate river-basin planning following the integrated water 
resources management framework and the river-basin approach;
(vi) Formulate or update existing River Basin Master or Comprehensive 
Plans which includes all aspects of water management and 
development such as water supply and sanitation, inigation, flood 
control and stormwater or urban drainage, drought risk 
management, water resource development systems and other 
public water works projects, including phasing of Implementation;
(vii) Identify, based on the river basin master plan, priority packages for 
water infrastructure development per river basin, including water 
supply, sanitation. Irrigation, flood control and stormwater or urban 
drainage, drought risk management, water resource development 
systems and other public works projects, package project proposals 
for funding, prioritize project Implementation and the allocation of 
funds and other resources, and undertake or supervise and 
evaluate the conduct of feasibility studies and project preparation 
thereof;
(viii) Evaluate and appraise all regional and inter-regional nfrastructure 
water development plans and programs as to their feasibility and 
consistency with approved strategies and medium and long-term 
plans;
(lx) Gather, analyze, and organize needed statistical data and 
information,
(x) Provide technical assistance related to its functions to the other 
services, bureaus and the regional offices as needed;
(xi) Conduct hydrological and hydraulic surv/eys and assessments of 
surface waters;
23


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(xii) Develop general criteria and standards on project investigation, 
formulation, planning;
(xiii) Develop guidelines and standards on social inclusion in water 
resources management and ensure policies, programs and plans 
are compliant with the gender and development framework of the 
government’
(xiv) Coordinate closely with PAGASA for rainfall and other climate data 
which shall be considered in the planning for water resources 
development and management and for various water infrastructure; 
and,
(xv) Perform such functions and activities, as may be mandated by law, 
which are necessary for the effective attainment of the 
abovementioned objectives.
(2) The Decision Support System Service shall provide the Department 
with water resource management tools and computerized decision 
support system that Incorporates a data management system relating 
to acquisition and database and model base in terms of physical 
design, planning and decision models including services related to 
networking, da’a management, and information and knowledge or 
learning management systems for administrative and non-technical 
support. It shall provide the Secretary timely reports on the status of 
various Department projects and activities. For this purpose, it shall 
exercise the fofowing functions:
(i) Provide the Secretary the necessary data and processed 
information to aid in policy and management decisions under the 
mandate of the Department;
(II) Publish ava'Iable real-time raw water data as well as verified or 
validated water data in print or electronic form using latest internet 
technology;
(lii) Conduct and publish in print and/or electronic form, standard data 
analysis such as basic statistical analysis, trend analysis, analysis of 
runs, and cluster analysis;
24


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(iv) Develop and continuously update water resource management, 
computerized decision support systems (DSS) that incorporate data 
management systems relating to acquisition and database, model 
base in terms of physical, design, planning and decision models, 
and user-friendly interface such as graphical and visualization tools. 
The DSS is composed of: (1) a measurement or data acquisition 
system; (2) Information or database management system; (3) 
analytical and numerical models for design, planning, decision or 
evaluation purposes; and, (4) a user-friendly interface which 
includes graphical interface or visualization tools;
(v) Develop ana maintain specific models to include the following:
1. Long-term climatologic and weather forecasting model;
2. Watershed models and river-flood plain models;
3. Groundwater models and coupled to surface water 
m )dels;
4. Flood forecasting model for major rivers;
5. Optimization-simulation management models for 
watershed conservation, conjunctive surface and 
groundwater use, Irrigption scheduling, normal and 
emergency operations of multi-purpose reservoirs; and,
6. Water quality and ecological models.
(vi) Develop and administer the management Information system and 
knowledge systems of the Department to:
1. Retrieve, process, and monitor information on all projects 
and activities In the web portal;
2. Conduct and apply systems and process engineering, 
software development, sofl:ware configuration 
management;
3. Develop and manage its corporate database, unified 
database for water industry, data warehouse, other water 
information resources, library services and document 
minagement and archiving services;
25


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
4. Develop and manage 
its Information 
and
Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure and 
ICT-related services including computer networking and 
voice communications services and data exchange; and,
5. Manage the literacy and training services of the 
Department on various ICT and. Knowledge Management 
(kM) tools and applications, including information and 
knowledge management.
(vii) Perform such other related functions and activities which are 
necessary for the effective administration of the management 
information and knowledge systems of the Department.
(3) The Administrative and Human Resource Service shall provide the 
Department with services relating to human resources development, 
personnel, records, facilities maintenance, medical and dental, security, 
property and LTocurement services, and shall exercise the following 
functions:
(i) Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to internal administration 
and human resources management;
(il) Prepare and implement an integrated personnel development plan 
that shall include provisions for merit promotions, performance 
evaluation, job rotation, incentive awards systems, and health and 
welfare services;
(ill) Provide services related to human resource - training, education and 
development including manpower, Cctreer planning and forecasting, 
and development of Indigenous training materials;
(iv) 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;
(v) Develop, establish, and maintain an efficient and effective security 
system covering, among others, personnel, physical installations.
26


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
facilities, equipment, documents and materials Including the conduct 
of security investigations;
(vl) Coordinate wi;h the appropriate government agencies for a more 
efficient conduct of administrative processes;
(vii) Develop, establish, and maintain an efficient records system;
(vlii) Provide assistance in its area of specialization to the Department 
Proper, burea^^s and regional and water district offices and, when 
requested, to the government agencies and corporations attached to 
the Department; and,
(ix) Perform such other related functions and activities which are 
necessary for the effective management of the resources of the 
Department, including its human resources.
(4) The Legal and Legislative Research Service shall provide the 
Department with services on such legal affairs as contract letting and 
litigation, legal and legislative research, complaints and investigation, 
legal counselling and other matters of law, and shall exercise the 
following functions:
(i) Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to legal and legislative 
affairs;
(ii) Prepare Depaitment contracts and iegai instruments, review and 
interpret ail contracts and agreements entered into by the Department 
and evaluate all legal proposals;
(iii) Conduct administrative investigation and the review of administrative 
charges agains'; officers and employees of the Department;
(iv) Exercise functional jurisdiction over the legal staffs of Regional 
Offices;
(v) Provide legal assistance to the Department Proper, the bureaus and 
regional offices and when requested, the attached corporations;
(vi) Develop and prepare the Department's Legislative Agenda, 
recommend presidential certification of the urgency of priority water 
bills, and other water-related legislation;
27


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
(vii) Coordinate and maintain linkages between and among the various 
offices, bureaus, regional offices and attached agencies to the 
Department a'ong with other governinent agencies on policy matters 
affecting the Department's mandate in relation to legislation;
(vlii) Perform liaison and networking activities in relation to the enactment 
of related laws relating to water resources issues in legislative 
policymaking bodies such as the Senate of the Philippines, the House 
of Representatives, and the various Sanggunlans;
(ix) Monitor the progress of the Department's priority or certified bills to 
ensure their passage; and,
(x) Perform such functions and activities, as may be mandated by law, 
which are necessary for the effective performance of the 
abovementioned objectives.
(5) The Comptrollership and Financial Management Service shall provide 
the Department with coordinated services relating to financial systems 
and procedures, budget, cash, accounting and all financial 
housekeeping matters, and shall exercise the following functions:
(i) 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;
(II) Prepare budget proposals and pursue formal budget authorizations, 
undertake budget execution, and prepare and submit all appropriate 
reports to the proper offices;
(ill) Develop and maintain accounting, financia! and assets management 
systems, procedures and practices In the Department Proper, Bureaus 
and Regional Offices;
(iv) 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, bureaus, and regional offices;
28


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(v) 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,
(vl) Perform such other related functions and activities which are 
necessary for the effective financial management of the Department.
(6) The Resource Regulation Service shall provide the Department with 
services for the effective regulation of all water-related services and 
activities and shall exercise the following functions:
(I) Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to resource regulations;
(ii) Determine, grant and regulate water rights for the appropriate, 
optimal and sustainable use of surface and ground water;
(lii) Determine ar.d evaluate waterworks and sewerage 'icenses, and 
submit evaluation results to the Water Regulatory Commission for the 
latter's consideration in granting of licenses;
(iv) 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 Department shall promulgate;
(v) Adjudicate water use conflicts; and,
(vi) Perform suc^1 other related functions and activities; which are 
necessary for the effective regulation of water-related services.
(7) The Internal Audit Service shall regularly conduct a comprehensive 
audit of various Department activities and shall exercise the following 
functions:
(i) Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to management control 
and operations audit;
(ii) Conduct a performance audit of the management and operations of 
the Department, Its activities, the performance of all units, and 
determine th^j degree of compliance of all operating units with 
established objectives, policies, standards, methods and procedures, 
government regulations and contractual obligations of the 
Department;
29


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
(iii) Review and appraise systems and procedures, organizational 
structure, assets management practices, accounting and other 
records, and performance standards such as budgets and standard 
costs of the Department Proper, bureaus and regional offices;
(iv) Analyze and evaluate management deficiencies and recommend 
realistic courses of action; and,
(v) Perform such functions and activities, as may be mandated by law, 
which are accessary for the effective performance of the 
abovementioned objectives.
(8) The Public Affairs Service shall enhance relations with all stakeholders 
Including the media, for the effective dissemination of information 
related to water-related issues, including important announcements on 
policies and activities of the department that is of interest to the 
general public. It shall ensure that women, men, elderly, and people 
with disabilities shall be consulted, organized and take active part in ail 
aspects of water resources development and management activities. It 
shall also lead the planning and organizing of special events, and shall 
exercise the following functions:
(i) Public Awareness
1. Advise the Secretary on matters pertaining to public 
affairs;
2. Develop 
and 
supervise 
the 
implementation 
of
comprehensible communications programs on relevant 
policies, programs and plans of the Department;
3. Produce 
and 
supervise 
the dissemination 
of
communication materials in line with the priorities of the 
Department and national government public information 
programs;
4. Conduct public opinion and attitude surveys to identify 
the interests and concerns of the stakeholders of the 
Department;
30


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
5. Establish policies on the presentation and publication of 
the content of the communication materials for 
dissemination to print and broadcast media;
6. E:>tablish and maintain linkages with the tri-media and a 
presence in social media;
7. Coordinate the conduct of interviews and news 
conferences;
8. Make public announcemants on matters relating to the 
work and activities of the Department through the print 
and broadcast media, either through press releases or 
live Interviews;
9. Coordinate with various Department unl^s, concerned 
government agencies, tri-media and other stakeholders 
on matters related to the above-enumerated functions; 
and,
10. Coordinate with the appropriate national government 
agencies involved in public information affairs.
(ii) Promote Participation
1. Conduct public consultations and discussions;
2. Develop and disseminate relevant and appropriate 
n^aterials and programs for public information and 
education, as well as advocacy campaign;
3. Conduct seminars and workshops involving the LGUs and 
the general public on current water issues and problems; 
and,
4. Conduct capability building seminars of various 
stakeholders to promote meaningful participation in the 
Department's policy making, planning, development and 
implementation of various programs and projects.
(ill) Special Events
1. Coordinate the organization and promotion of special 
events and water exhibits;
31


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
2. Act as the focal office for ail water related events; and,
3. Perform such functions and activities, as may be 
mandated by law, which are necessary for the effective 
performance of the abovementioned objectives.
(f) Bureaus. - The Department shall create bureaus which shall each be headed 
by a Bureau Director. The Bureau Director shall be responsible for the 
efficient and effective discharge of the functions of the Bureau concerned. 
The Bureau Director shall be assisted by one ri) Assistant Director.
(1) Bureau of Flood Control and Drainage shall 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:
(i) 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 Department shall harmonize and synthesize plans 
to enable the sharing of information between land-use planning and 
water management authorities. In this regard, a holistic approach 
shall be adopted by making the IFM a part of a wide risk or multi­
hazard management system that includes earthquakes, landslides, 
fires, tsunami, and other calamities of the same gravity or nature;
(li) Integrate climate change and disaster risk reduction and 
management in policies and plans;
(iii) Prepare master plans of flood management and drainage in river 
basins In coordination with the concerned water resources region 
and river basin organizations;
(iv) Prepare master plans for urban drainage In cities and municipalities;
(v) Prepare feasibility studies of recommended measures «n the master 
plans;
(vl) Plan and design structural measures for flood control and drainage;
32


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(vii) Implement and collaborate with concerned agencies on the 
formulation and adoption of non-structural measures for flood 
control and drainage;
(viii) Patrol and Investigate rivers, and monitor stream flows;
(ix) Conduct post-disaster investigation and evaluation, and damage 
assessment of flood infrastructures after extreme events;
(x) Conduct research and development on water and sediment-related 
disasters;
(xl) Develop design guidelines, criteria, and standards on flood control 
and drainage structures;
(xli) Provide technical assistance to other agendes, LGUs, and other 
stakeholders;
(xlil) Advise the Secretary on declanng flood control areas and 
recommend guidelines for flood plain management plans In these 
areas; and,
(xiv) Perform such related activities which are necessary for the effective 
performance' of Its functions.
(2) Bureau of Water Quality Management shall si4)ervlse and exercise 
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 also take into account proper and integrated 
treatment of freshwater and wastewater within the whole process. For 
this purpose, the Bureau shall exercise the following functions;
(I) Establish water quality guidelines for freshwater and coastal or 
marine waters as basis for classifying water bodies in the country. 
Specifically, develop water quality Indices or composite metrics to 
measure the quality status and health of natural water bodies In 
relation to ecological Integrity and function;
(ii) Establish effluent standards for point discharges to receiving bodies 
of water;
(ill) Establish internationally accepted procedures for sampling and 
analysis;
33


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(iv) Prepare an Integrated water quality management framework;
(v) Prepare the ten-year water quality management plans for each 
water quality management area as part of the River Basin Master 
Plans and in support of the NWRMP;
(vi) Classify groundwater sources and prepare a national groundwater 
vulnerability map;
(vii) Classify or reclassify all water bodies according to their beneficial 
usages using the established water quality guidelines established;
(viii) Issue permi'^, clearances, and similar instruments pursuant to the 
Clean Water Act of 2004
(ix) Collect the wastewater discharge fees for all permittees;
(x) Monitor the compliance of water discharge permittees wit the 
effluent standards;
(xi) Regularly nionitor the water quality of major water bodies in the 
country and analyze the data to identify possible sources of 
pollution;
(xii) Issue notices of violations and/or cease and desist orders for those 
found in vio,ation;
(xiii) File the needed cases against violators with the Water Pollution 
Adjudication Board (WPAB);
(xiv) Serve as secretariat of the WPAB; and,
(xv) Perform sucn functions and activities, as may be mandated by law, 
which are necessary for the effective performance of the 
abovementioned objectives.
(3) A Water Resources Regional Office (WRRO) shall be organized per 
water resource region and shall be responsible for implementing the 
mandates, power and duties of the Department at the field level, 
except for policymaking which will be vested solely In the Department. 
The formulation of the master plan for the nearby river basins such as 
the Pasig-Marikina-Laguna Lake-Cavlte, shall be the responsibility of 
the Department. Each WRRO shall perform the following duties and 
responsibilities;
34


1 
(i) Formulate or update and coordinate the river basin master plans for
2 
river basins within its jurisdiction ensuring consistency with the
3 
National Water Resources Management Framework Plan;
4 
(ii) Advocate and strongly support the creation and functioning of
5 
multi-stakei older river basin organizations (RBOs) and serve as the
6 
secretariat of the said RBOs;
7 
(iii) Undertake and evaluate the planning, design, and work supervision
8 
functions of the Department for the water infrastructures within the
9 
region;
10 
(iv) Ensure the implementation of laws, policies, programs, rules and
11 
regulations regarding the abovementioned infrastructure as well as
12 
public and private physical structures;
13 
(v) Provide technical assistance related to the water-reirted functions
14 
of other agencies within the region especially the local government;
15 
(vi) Coordinate with other departments, agencies, institutions and
16 
organizations, especially local government units within the region In
17 
the planning and Implementation of the river basin master plans;
18 
(vll) Conduct coi isultations with the local communities, take appropriate
19 
measures to ensure that the services of the Department are
20 
responsive, and recommend such appropriate actions as may be
21 
necessary; and,
22 
(viii) Perform suc’i functions and activities, as may be mandated by law,
23 
which are necessary for the 
effective performance 
of 
the
24 
abovementioned objectives.
25 
The Department shall retain existing Project Management Offices as may be
26 
required, which shall be under the supervision and <'ontroi of the appropriate Water
27 
Resources Regional Office unless otherwise determined by the Secretary for reasons
28 
supra-regional scope, magnitude and multi-functional coverage.
29 
Each Water Resources Regional Office shall be headed by a Water Resources
30 
Regional Director who shall he responsible for efficiently and effectively/ carrying out
31 
the duties and responsibilities of the Office. Towards this end, the Water Resources
32 
Regional Director shall exercise functional and administrative supervision over ail
35


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
units within the region and :s authorized to commit resources and ass:ign personnel 
to integrated regional water resources management, water supply and sanitation 
management, and flood control and flood risk management Initiatives. The Water 
Resources 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 Water Resources Regional Director shall be assisted by two (2) Assistant 
Water Resources Regional Office Directors who shall exercise supervision over (1) 
the planning, project design and evaluation function; and, (2) technica' assistance to 
the River Basin Organizations within the water resources region.
Sec. 14. Water Pollution Adjudication Board. — There Is hereby created a 
Water Pollution Adjudication Board under the Office of the Secretary. The Board 
shall be composed of the Secretary as Chairperson, 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 
Secretary as members.
The Board shall assume the powers and functions of the National Pollution 
Control Commission with rei pect to the adjudicatior of water pollution cases under 
Republic Act No. 3931 entitled, "An Act Creating the National Water and Air Pollution 
Control Commission", Presidential Decree No. 984 entitled, "Providing for the 
Revision of Republic Act No. 3931, Commonly Known as the Pollution Control Law, 
and for Other Purposes", particularly with respect to Sertion 6 letters (e), (f), (g), 
(j), and (k), and Republic Act No. 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 Department in accordance with rules and 
regulations to be promulgated by the Board.
CHAPTER III
INTERDEPARTMENTAL RELATIONS
AND INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS OF THE DEPARTMENT
Sec. 15. Interface and Institutional Arrangements with Other Agencies. - 
(a) The Department of Health (DOH) shall continue to have primary authority and
responsibility for setting and enforcing drinking water quality standards. The
36


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Department shall coordinate with the DOH in this aspect, and shall ensure 
consistency of standards and targets, as well as the compliance of permittees 
with mandated standards;
(b) 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;
(c) The Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Power Corporation (NPC) 
shall continue to have primary authority and responsibility for establishing and 
operating hydropower plants, but shall ensure the hydropower plant 
development plans a:e consistent with the National Water Development and 
Management Plan;
(d) The Department shall coordinate with the DA to ensure agricultural 
development that reduces long-term pollution for surface water and 
groundwater, and a.jricultural and industrial economic development that 
employs water efficiency, water recycling or reuse, and the appropriate 
treatment of wastewater;
(e) The Department shall coordinate with the National Disaster Risk Reduction 
Management Council i NDRRMC) to ensure that Its plans and deigns for flood 
control flood risk management and drought risk management are aligned with 
the objectives and plans of the Department;
(f) The Department shall coordinate with Climate Change Commission (CCC), 
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration 
(PAGASA), and National Mapping and Resource Information Authority 
(NAMRIA) for scientific studies, integrated surveys, mapping, charting, and 
decision support systems;
(g) The Department shall coordinate with the Department of Tourism (DOT) on 
recreational use of water resources;
(h) The Department shall coordinate with the Philippine Reclamation Authority 
and economic zone authorities on water resources development and water 
requirements within reclamation areas and economic zones, respectively; and,
(i) The Department sh dl coordinate with relevant government agencies, 
including local government units (LGUs), with respect to development
37


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
projects and shall ensure cross-cutting collaboration between and among all 
water subsectors and facilitate inter-agency subsector coordination, strategic 
development, planning, monitoring and provision of technical, institutional 
and financial capacity building support to their different stakeholders at the 
water subsector level.
Sec. 16. National Water Sector Policy Board. - The National Water Sector 
Policy Board (NWSPB) shall be created and shall be headed by the Secretary of the 
Department of Water Resources with the Secretary of the National Economic and 
Development Authority (NEDA) as the Vice-Chairperson, and the Secretaries of the 
DOH, DILG, DOW, DA and Department of Social Welfare and Development; DPWH, 
Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Office of the President, and DENR, 
and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples as members. The Department shall 
provide personnel to serve as Secretariat to the Board.
Sec. 17. Powers and Functions of die National Water Sector Fiiicy Board. - 
The NWSPB shall perform policymaking, coordination, integration, supervision, 
monitoring and evaluation functions, and shall have the following responsibilities:
(a) Approve the NWRMP which shall serve as a principal guide to water 
management efforts in the country and shall be reviewed every five (5)-years 
interval, or as may be deemed necessary, in order to ensure its relevance to 
the times;
(b) Provide overall policy direction and recommend policies on water resources 
requiring Presidential decision;
(c) Advise the President on the status of waiter management and supply, 
recommend to the President the declaration of a state calamity in areas 
affected by water supply, and submit proposals to restore normalcy in the 
affected areas;
(d) Ensure a multi-stakeholder participation In the development, updating, and 
sharing of information system as policy, planning and decision-making tools 
consistent with IWRM.
Sec. 18. Transfer of Right and Obligation. — The Department shall, by virtue 
of this Act, be subrogated to all the rights and assume all the obligations of the 
government agencies and units whose powers and functions have been subsumed,
38


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
absorbed, transferred or attached to the Department in accordance with the rules 
and regulations of the Commission on Audit, and the Civil Service Commission, and 
other applicable laws. The transfer of powers and functions as herein provided shall 
take effect within six (6) months after the effectivity of this Act. As such, all affected 
agencies, offices, and units shall continue to function under their present mandates.
CHAPTER IV
WATER REGULATORY COMMISSION
Sec. 19. Water Regulatory Commission. - There is hereby created and 
established as an independent, quasi-judicial regulatory body to be known as the 
Water Regulatory Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Comnission, which 
shall be organized within one hundred twenty (120) days after the effectivity of this 
Act.
The Commission shall be placed under the administrative supervision of the 
Department as an attached agency.
The Commission shall have a Board of Commissioners, and shall be vested 
with powers and functions, as conferred and set forth hereunder.
Sec. 20. The Regulatory Units. - The regulatory units of the Commission 
shall be composed of the central regulatory units and the regional regulatory units.
The economic regulatory units and functions of the MWSS, MWRB, LWUA, 
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) 
and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) are hereby 
transferred to the Commission, and shall collectively comprise its central regulatory 
unit for water supply and sanitation services that: (a) provide services to more than 
one (1) province; and, (b) are owned, operated and/or maintained by special 
economic zones and Metro Manila concessionaires.
The regional regulatory units shall be established by the Commission in 
accordance with this Act and the rules, regulations guidelines, and standards that 
the Commission shall issue.
Sec. 21. Powers and Functions of the Commission. - The overall authority 
and powers of the Commission shall cover and apply to all service providers, 
whether private or public, providing or intending to provide Levels I and III water 
supply, including suppliers to subdivisions and other service providers, sewerage,
39


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
and/or septage treatment and disposal services for domestic, residential, 
institutional, industrial or commercial use.
The Commission shall exercise the following powers and functions:
(a) Issue and promulgate rules, regulations and guidelines as may be necessary 
to implement and enforce its powers and functions under this Act;
(b) Promulgate and enforce just and reasonable technical standards, 
classifications and measurements of service;
(c) Establish rules and regulations to monitor, avoid, and provide remedies for 
any market power abuse or anti-competitive or discriminatory act or behavior 
by or against any participant In the water supply and sanitation sector. Upon 
finding that a market participant has engaged In, or has fallen victim to such 
act or behavior, the Commission shall act to stop or redress the same. Such 
remedies may, without limitation, include the imposition of price controls, 
issuance of injunctions, requirement of divestment or disgorgement of excess 
profits, invalidation of contracts and imposition of fines and penalties 
pursuant to this Act;
(d) Adopt and require that books, records, and accounts be kept and maintained 
in accordance with the prescribed uniform accounting system;
(e) Fix and determine proper and adequate rates of depreciation of properties 
and equipment used In water supply and sanitation services;
(f) Impose and collect annual levies determined as a percentage of gross 
revenue accruing in relation to the licensed activities, and reasonable fees and 
surcharges as may be necessary for achieving the purposes, powers and 
functions of the Commission;
(g) Require the submission of reports of finances and operations, verified under 
oaths by the owner or president and secretary of the board of the licensee;
(h) Determine and require the monitoring and submission of such data, statistics 
and other Information from the regulatory units and any or all licensees as 
may be necessary for the effective and efficient exercise of Its duties, 
functions, powers and responsibilities;
40


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(i) Investigate, motu proprio or upon a written complaint, any matter concerning 
the operation of the service and issues on price manipulation and anti­
competitive behavior;
(j) Impose penalties and fines against any licensee or against its owners, 
directors, officers, agents or representatives for any violation of this Act or of 
the license, order, rules, regulation, or requirement issued by the 
Commission;
(k) Require any licensee to pay the actual expenses incurred by the Commission 
in any investigation if it shall be found that a licensee violated any provision 
of this Act or of the license, order, rule, regulation, or requirement issued by 
the Commission;
(l) Advise, apprise and coordinate with other relevant agencies of the national or 
local government on any matter relating to water supply and sanitation 
services;
(m) 
Deputize agents, whether from the public or private sector, to assist In 
the performance of any of the powers and functions of the Commission;
(n) Appoint an Interim or temporary management committee upon appeal and 
after due hearing, to ensure continuity of service in case a license fails to 
meet conditions of the license and the concerned Regulatory Unit fails or 
refuses to appoint an interim management committee as provided in the 
following section;
(o) Appoint, hire and maintain adequate staff and personnel, advisers, or 
consultants, with suitable qualifications and experience, as necessary;
(p) Exercise original and exclusive jurisdiction over all cases contesting rates, 
fees, fines, and penalties imposed by the regulatory units In the exercise of 
their powers, functions and responsibilities, as provided under this Act, and 
over all cases involving disputes between and among participants or 
stakeholders In the waLer supply and sanitation services; and.
(q) Such other incidental powers and functions as may be necessary to attain the 
objectives of this Act.
Sec. 22. Powers and Functions of the Regulatory Units. - The regulatory 
units of the Commission sha!* have the following powers and functions:
41


1 
(a) Issue licenses authorizing the operation of water supply and sanitation
2 
services in any specified area or areas within the Philippines.
3 
(b) Impose fines, charges and other penalties upon any provider and/or its
4 
officers and stockholders who shall fail or refuse to register or obtain a license
5 
prior to operation or commencement of business, as provided hereunder.
6 
(c) Review, determine, fix and approve, consistent with the rules, guidelines,
7 
procedures and methodologies which the Contmission shall provide, pr oposed
8 
water and sewerage and septage management tariffs, rates and charges that
9 
licensees may impose upon their consumers;
10 
(d) Appraise and value property and equipment used by licensees in providing
11 
water supply and sanitation services;
12 
(e) Enforce technical, financial, and other performance standards set by the
13 
Commission for licensees or utilities;
14 
(f) Respond to consumer complaints and ensure the adequate promotion of
15 
consumer interests and investigate motu proprio price manipulallon and anti-
16 
competitive behavior.
17 
(g) Investigate accidents directly or indirectly arising form or connected with the
18 
maintenance or operation of the service, and make such order or
19 
recommendation as the public interest may warrant.
20 
(h) Require the review and/or approval of contracts or agreements that may
21 
impact on the tariff and rates of service provision entered Into by service
22 
providers upon petition or motu proprio where In its determination public
23 
interest so dictates;
24 
(i) Require the submission of reports, plans, and other documents that define
25 
the performance targets of the licensees or 
utilities, and regular
26 
accomplishment reports;
27 
(j) Impose and collet annual levies determined as a percentage of gross revenue
28 
accruing in relation to the licensed activities, and reasonable fees and
29 
surcharges as may be necessary for achieving the purposes, powers, and
30 
functions of the regulator;
42


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
(k) Conduct benchmarking and monitor the performance of licensees or utilities 
under their jurisdiction, and publish reports detailing the results thereof, as 
may be necessary or. squired by the Commission;
(l) Amend, notify, suspend, or revoke any license issued by then, after due 
notice and hearing, on any of the following grounds;
(1) when the facts and circumstances on the strength of which the license 
was issued have been materially misrepresented or have materially 
changed;
(2) where the licensee has failed to meet or comply with terms, conditions, 
and performance targets, including but not limited to service 
expansion, that may have been set in the license;
(3) where the licensee is found to be manifestly inefficient in the operation 
of or provision of water supply and sanitation services in its area; or,
(4) when the licensee thereof has violated or willfully refused to comply 
with any order, rule or regulation of the Commission or any provision 
of this Act;
(m) 
Appoint an interim management committee to ensure continuity of 
service in case a licensee fails to meet the conditions of the license; and,
(n) Submit performance plans and reports as required by the Commission.
Sec. 28. Composition of the Water Reguiatory Commission. -
(a) The Commission shall be a collegial body composed of five (5) full-time 
members consisting of a Chairperson and four (4) members, who shall all be 
appointed by the President of the Philippines. All members of the 
Commission must be citizens and residents of the Philippines, at least thirty 
five (35) years of age, and of good moral character, of recognized integrity 
and competence In the field of law, business, commerce, finance, accounting 
or public administration, water or utility economics, management, physical or 
engineering services, hydrology and other related services, with at least three 
(3) years of actual and distinguished experience in their respective fields of 
expertise: Provided, That out of the four (4) members of the Commission, at 
least one (1) shall be a member of the Philippine Bar with at least ten (10) 
years of experience in the active practice of law, and at least one (1) shall be
43


1 
a certified public accountant with at least ten (10) years of experience In
2 
active practice.
3 
(b)The term of office of each member of the Commission shall be seven (7)
4 
years: Provided, Thai among the members first appointed, the Chairperson
5 
shall serve for a period of seven (7) years, two (2) members shall serve for
6 
five (5) years and the other two (2) members shall serve for three (3) years:
7 
Provided, further. That any members whose term has expired as specified
8 
herein shall serve as such until a successor shall have been appointed and
9 
qualified: Provided, furthermore. That any appointment to fill a vacancy in the
10 
Commission arising from death, removal, retirement or resignation shall be
11 
made only for the unexpired term: Provided, finaiiy. That In no case shall any
12 
member serve for more than seven (7) years in the Commission.
13 
(c) The Commission shall meet as often as may be necessary on such day or
14 
days as the Chairperson may fix. The presence of at least three (3) members
15 
of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, which shall be necessary for the
16 
transaction of any buriness. The affirmative vote of majority of the members
17 
of the Commission where a quorum is present shall be necessary for the
18 
adoption of any order, resolution, decisions, or other act of the Commission In
19 
the exercise of its quasi-judicial functions: Provided, That in promulgating
20 
rules, regulations, guidelines and in exercising its quasi-legislative functions,
21 
an affirmative vote of three (3) members shall be required.
22 
(d)The Chairperson of the Commission shall exercise general executive control
23 
and supervision over the Commission and its members, staff and personnel,
24 
agents and representp.tlves. Within three (3) months from the creation of the
25 
Commission and the appointment of all Members of the Commission, the
26 
Chairperson shall determine and establish the organizational structure and
27 
plantilla positions necessary to carry out the powers and functions of the
28 
Commission, including those of the central and provincial regulatory units
29 
subject to the review and approval of the DBM.
30 
The plantilla positions of the Commission shall be filled by regular
31 
appointments In accordance with Civil Service laws, rules, and regulations.
44


1 
Members of the Commission shall enjoy security of tenure and shall not be
2 
suspended or removed from office except for just cause as specified by law.
3 
(e)The Chairperson and members of the Commission or any of their relatives
4 
within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, legitimate or
5 
common law, shall be prohibited from holding any interest whatsoever, either
6 
as investor, stockholder, officer or director, in any company or entity engaged
7 
in provision of water supply and distribution, septage management and
8 
sewerage services and must, therefore, divest through sale or legal
9 
disposition of any and all interests in the water sector upon assumption to
10 
office.
11 
Sec. 24. Secretariat of the Commission. - The Commission shall establish a
12 
Secretariat which shall provide the Commission with technical and support services
13 
including the following:
14 
(a) Provide the necessary technical inputs and secretariat support to the
15 
Commission to facilitate the conduct of its functions;
16 
(b) Coordinate with Regulatory Units to ensure proper Implementation of the
17 
rules, regulations and guidelines promulgated by the Commission;
18 
(c) Monitor and assess activities of the Regulatory Units vis-a-vis their respective
19 
annual performance plans and targets;
20 
(d) Maintain a database on the water supply and sanitation subsector; and,
21 
(e) Coordinate with other relevant agencies of the national or local government
22 
on any matter relating to water supply and sanitation.
23 
Sec. 25. Executive Director. — The Commission shall appoint an Executive
24 
Director who shall head the Commission Secretariat, keep and maintain the official
25 
records of the Commission, render a report on the proceedings of the Commission,
26 
and administer oaths in all matters falling within the jurisdiction of the Commission.
27 
The Executive Director shall be responsible for the effective implementation of
28 
the policies, plans, programs, rules, regulations and directives of the Commission;
29 
coordinate and supervise the activities of the different operating units under the
30 
Commission; and perform such functions as may be assigned by the Chairperson
31 
and/or other members of the Commission.
45


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Sec. 26. Compensation and Other Emoluments. - The compensation of the 
members of the Commission and its staff conform to provisions of Republic Act No. 
6758 as amended, otherwise known as the "Compensation and Position Classification 
Act of 1989".
CHAPTER V
REGISTRATION AND LICENSING
Sec. 27. Registration and Licensing of AH Water Supply and Sanitation 
Services. - All water supply and sanitation service providers, includi?;g bulk water 
suppliers and those providing services to subdivisions and other service providers, 
shall register with the Commission and, subject to such rules, guidelines, procedures 
and other issuances of the Commission, obtain a license to operate from the 
appropriate regulatory units.
The Commission shall ensure that the grant and revocation of licenses are 
carried out fairly, transparently, and without discrimination. Issuances of the 
Commission shall specify, among others, the qualifications, requirements, and 
procedure for the grant and revocation of licenses including the standards and 
performance targets that shall continuously be complied with to keep the licenses 
valid.
Unless otherwise provided in this Act or by the Commission, no public water 
supply and sanitation service provider shall commence or conduct the business of 
providing water supply and sanitation services without first obtaining a license.
Concession agreements and other contracts for water supply provision and 
water sanitation and treatment services currently existing snail remain valid and 
enforceable unless otherwise terminated, after due notice and hearing for reasons 
provided in the existing te ms and conditions under the concession or service 
agreement or contract, or when Invalidated by the Commission, after due notice and 
hearing, where national security, national emergency or public interest so dictates.
Sec. 28. Conditions of License. — The Commissicn or the concerned 
regulatory unit, may impose such conditions on the licensee as ;t may deem 
necessary, such as:
(a) Tariffs, rates and charges that may be imposed from its customers or
consumers;
46


1 
(b)Term fixing the duration of the privilege;
2 
(c) Grounds for modification, suspension or cancellation of the license;
3 
(d) Minimum technical performance and service level standards;
4 
(e) Expansion targets and service level improvements over time;
5 
(f) Restrictions or conditions for transferability of the business or controlling
6 
interest in the business;
7 
(g) Reportorial requirements and obligations of the grantee;
8 
(h) Submission to annufj' performance audit by the Commission or its duly
9 
authorized represent'dve(s).
10 
The Commission shall specify the requirements and procedure for existing
11 
holders of a Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC), Certificates of Public
12 
Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) issued by NWRB, or Certificate of Conformance
13 
(CoC) issued by LWUA, to convert their existing certificates into licenses to operate
14 
in accordance with Section 27 herein.
15 
All existing providers of water supply and sanitation services without a legal
16 
and valid Certificate of Public Convenience, Certificate of Public Convenience and
17 
Necessity, or Certificate of Conformance shall register with the Commission and
18 
apply for a license within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act.
19 
Sec. 29. Rights and Duties of Licenses. —
20 
(a) Any person granted a license under this Act shall have the obligation to
21 
ensure that licensed activities are conducted to further public interest and, in
22 
particular:
23 
(b) Any person granted a license under this Act shall, to the extent allowed by
24 
law and specified in the license, has the right to acquire or lease land, lay or
25 
repair water or sanitation main lines and other relevant facil.ties in public
26 
ways to fulfill the ternis and conditions under the license.
27 
(c) Subject to any condition or limitation laid down in the license, a licensee may
28 
discontinue water supply and sanitation services to a customer if such
29 
customer defaults in the payment of fees due to the licensee for the water
30 
supplied or sanitation services provided, or for acts of pilferage pursuant to
31 
Sections 8, 9, 10, and 11 of Republic Act No. 8041, otherwise known as the
32 
"Water Crisis Act of 1995".
47


1 
(d)Any license issued under this Act shall contain provisions designed to ensure
2 
that licensees:
3 
(1) Publish the Tariff and other charges approved by and the terms and
4 
conditions imposed by the Commission for the provision of water
5 
supply and sanitation services.
6 
(2) Prepare, within three (3) months from the issuance of a license, in
7 
consultation with Its customers, a Customer Service Code specifying
8 
the manner and procedure for: (a) metering, billing, and collection of
9 
the licensee's approved tariff and other charges; (b) disconnection or
10 
suspension of service in case of non-payment of tariffs and/or other
11 
charges, or acts of pilferage; and, (c) recommendation and recovery of
12 
arrears in tariffs and other charges;
13 
(3) Maintain financial accounts in accordance wfth the manner and
14 
procedure specified in the license and as may be required by the
15 
Commission; and,
16 
(4) Maintain and upon request by anyone during regular office hours,
17 
promptly make available for scrutiny and inspection such data,
18 
statistics and other information, as may be required by the
19 
Commission.
20 
Sec. 30. Setting Tariffs, Rate, and Other Charges. - Regulatory units shall
21 
establish tariffs, rates and other charges which are fair and reasonable, and ensure
22 
economic viability and a fair return on investments.
23 
Tariffs, rates and charges shall be based on and consistent with a rate-setting
24 
methodology that the Commission shall, after due consultation, define and publish,
25 
taking into account the following, among others:
26 
(a) Reasonable and prudent capital and recurrent costs of providing the service
27 
including a reasonable rate of return on capital;
28 
(b) Efficiency of the service;
29 
(c) Incentives for enhancement of efficiency;
30 
(d) Willingness to pay of tiie customers / consumers;
31 
(e) Equity considerations; and,
32 
(f) Administrative simplicity.
48


1 
Tariffs, rates, and charges set by the regulatory units shall be presumed valid
2 
and reasonable unless a protest or contest is filed with the Commission.
3 
Sec. 31. Direct Access. — Fifty-one percent (51%) of the registered water
4 
consumers in a municipality, city or province may petition for direct access to water
5 
from any water service provider subject to concurrence by the service provider and
6 
approval by the Commission. The Commission shall promulgate rules and
7 
procedures for this mode of service.
8 
Sec. 32. Innovative Schemes to Improve EiTiciency and Management of
9 
Systems. — The Commission shall promote innovative schemes such as the
10 
consolidation or integration of water supply and sanitation services, or providers in
11 
the same service area, where it shall result in improved efficiency, service expansion
12 
and lower costs.
13 
To this end, the Commission shall establish and issue such rulas and
14 
guidelines as may be necessary to (a) create Incentives to encourage efficiency and
15 
service expansion; (b) establish the standards and targets that service providers are
16 
required to meet; and (c) define the fines and penalties that shall be imposed for
17 
failure to meet such standards and targets.
18 
CHAPTER VI
19 
QUASI-JUDICIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION
20 
Sec. 33. Proceedings Before the Commission. - For the purpose of any
21 
investigation, Inquiry or proceeding, the Commission shall:
22 
(a) Issue subpoena duces tecum and subpoena ad testificandunr,
23 
(b) Appoint hearing officers to hear and receive evidence on behalf of the
24 
Commission;
25 
(c) Cite any person or party for contempt for refusal to appear, testify, or comply
26 
with an order of th'i Commission on any matter that is the subject of
27 
investigation, inquiry or proceeding before the Commission.
28 
Sec. 34. Orders and Decisions of the Commission. - Any order, resolution, or
29 
decisions of the Commission shall be promulgated promptly, expeditiously,
30 
reasonably, and In writing, and shall state clearly and distinctly the fads and law on
31 
which It is based.
49


1 
The Commission shall publish and make available for public inspection, ail
2 
decisions and final orders in the adjudication of contested cases or applications.
3 
Sec. 35. Appeals Procedure and Prohibition Against Injunction. -
4 
(a) The orders, rulings, and decisions of the Commission are final and executory
5 
unless appealed to the Court of Appeals within fifteen (15) days from receipt
6 
of notice of such order, ruling or decision: Provided, That orders, rulings, and
7 
decisions of the Commission approving tariffs, shall be immediately executory
8 
and may be suspended only upon appeal and filing of a bond, in an amount
9 
to be fixed by the Commission, to answer for damages occasioned by the
10 
suspension or stay of execution of such orders, rulings, and decisions.
11 
(b) No injunction may be issued by any court or administrative agency to restrain
12 
any proceeding before, or the implementation or execution of any order,
13 
ruling, or decision of t!ie Commission, except on the basis of a question of law
14 
brough before the Supreme Court on certiorari.
15 
(c) Any act or decision of the Commission shall not be invalidated merely because
16 
of a defect or irregularity in, or in connection with, the appointment or
17 
vacancy In the Office of the Chairperson or any other member of the
18 
Commission.
19 
CHAPTER VII
20 
INTERDEPARTMENTAL RELATIONS OF THE COMMISSION
21 
Sec. 36. Interface with Other Sector Regulators. -
22 
(a) The DENR shall continue to exercise primary jurisdiction over programs aimed
23 
at protecting the environment and the quality of water sources from waste
24 
and pollution, and shall promulgate rules, regulations, and standards in this
25 
regard. The Department of Health (DOH) shall continue to exercise primary
26 
jurisdiction over the determination and enforcement of standards for quality
27 
drinking water and sanitation.
28 
(b)The Commission shall coordinate with the:
29 
(1) DOH to ensure that the standards and targets for quality drinking
30 
water and sanitation are consistently complied with;
31 
(2) LGUs for development projects relating to water supply and sanitation;
32 
and,
50


1 
(3) DPWH for flood control and harnessing and impounding of water.
2 
Sec. 37. Transfer of Rights and Obligation. - The Commission shall, by virtue
3 
of this Act, be subrogated to all the rights, and assume all the obligations, of the
4 
Water Utilities Division of the NWRB, the regulatory offices of the MWSS and LWUS,
5 
the regulatory units of all special economic zones, and all other government
6 
agencies and units whose powers and functions have been transferred to the
7 
Commission.
8 
The transfer of powers and functions to the Department of the concerned
9 
agencies as herein provided for, shall be deemed completed within s!x (6) months
10 
after the effectivity of this Act. The transfer of powers and functions shall Include all
11 
applicable funds, personnel, records, property and equipment, as may be necessary.
12 
The same shall apply to agencies which have been attached to the Department by
13 
virtue of this Act.
14 
All agencies transferred, subsumed and attached to the Department, shall
15 
continue to function under their present mandates until the six-month transition
16 
period mandated under this Act shall have lapsed. The heads of the affected
17 
agencies shall continue to serve until replaced.
18 
All rights and obligations of the affected agencies are hereby transferred to
19 
and assumed by the Commission, and shall be acted upon in accordance with the
20 
rules and regulations of the Commission on Audit and other pertinent laws, rules,
21 
and regulations.
22 
Sec. 38. Absorption or Separation from Service of Employees of the
23 
Subrogated Agencies. - The current employees of the Water Utilities Division of the
24 
NWRB, the regulatory offices of MWSS and LWUA, the regulatory units of all special
25 
economic zones, and all other government agencies and units whose powers and
26 
functions have been transfei red to the Commission shall enjoy security of tenure,
27 
and shall be absorbed by the Department, in accordance with their staffing pattern
28 
and the selection process as prescribed under Republic Act No. 6656 or the
29 
"Government Reorganization Law".
30 
Employees opting to be separated from the service as a conseouence of the
31 
consolidation, and reconstitution under the provisions of this Act shall, within one (1)
32 
month from their separation or phase out from the service, receive separation
51


1 
benefits in accordance with existing laws, and those who are qualified to retire shall
2 
be allowed to retire and be entitled to all benefits under existing retirement laws.
3 
Sec. 39. Water Trust Fund. - There is hereby created a Water Trust Fund in
4 
the Bureau of Treasury. All non-tax revenues, including raw water pricing, permit
5 
fees, registration fees, supervision and regulation enforcement fees, filing fees,
6 
testing fees, and other sers'ice Income from the use of water resources shall be
7 
remitted to the Water Trust Fund. The trust fund shall be accounted separately
8 
from the government's general revenues and shall be automatically appropriated to
9 
the Department. Proceeds from the trust fund shall be utilized for water
10 
development, water sanitation and waste water treatment and management, and
11 
water sustainability programs and projects authorized under this Act: Provided, That
12 
a maximum of ten percent (10%) of the total income generated from raw water
13 
extraction shall be given as share of the concerned local government unit or
14 
indigenous peoples (IP) con munity who own the specific areas or land where the
15 
raw water was sourced.
16 
CHAPTER VIll
17 
FINAL PROVISIONS
18 
Sec. 40, Applicability' of Ease of Doing Business Law. - The prescribed
19 
processing time provided under Section 9(b) of Republic Act No. 11032, as
20 
amended, otherwise known as the "Ease of Doing Business and Efficient
21 
Government Service Delivery Act of 2018", shall be applicable to all agencies and
22 
LGUs covered under this Act particularly on accessing government serv ees.
23 
Sec. 41. Transitory Provisions. - Performance audit of all water-related
24 
agencies and institutions, including LWUS and water districts, MWSS, MWSS-RO and
25 
its concessionaires, LGU-run utilities. Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone
26 
Authority, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Bases Conversion and Development
27 
Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, DILG, and NIA, shall be conducted by
28 
the Department.
29 
Sec. 42. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to cover the initial
30 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations
31 
of the agencies and offices transferred and subsunr,ed by the Department and the
32 
Commission in General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such sums as may be
52


1 
necessary for the continued implementation of the Act shall be included in the
2 
annual GAA.
3 
Sec. 43. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within one hundred eighty
4 
(180) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Department, NEDA, DBM, DENR, CSC,
5 
in consultation with concerned government agencies, the Presidential Legislative
6 
Liaison Office shall promulgate rules and regulations for the effective implementation
7 
of this Act.
8 
Sec. 44. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid
9 
or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision or part not otherwise
10 
affected shall remain valid and subsisting.
11 
Sec. 45. Repealing Clause. - (a) The following provisions are hereby
12 
repealed:
13 
(1) Section 3 (h) and Section 12 on the provision with respect to fixing of
14 
water rates and sanitation service fees, Section 3 (n) on the provision
15 
with respect to regulation of waterworks and deep wells, and Section 3
16 
(p) on the provision with respect to regulation of waterworks and
17 
sanitation systems in privately owned subdivisions of Republic Act No.
18 
6234, entitled, "An Act Creating the Metropolitan Waterworks and
19 
Sewerage System and Dissolving the National Waterworks and
20 
Sewerage Authority, and for Other Purposes", as amended.
21 
(2) Title III on Local Water Utilities Administration Law of Presidential
22 
Decree No. 198 otherwise known as the "Provincial Water Utilities Act
23 
of 1973", as amended by Letter of Instruction No. 700, "Providing
24 
Measures to Control and Regulate Increase in Water Rates", Letter of
25 
Instruction No. 744, "Relative to Reliable Water Supply at Reasonable
26 
Rates In the Countryside", Executive Order No. 124 issued on January
27 
30, 1987, "Rev organization Act of the Ministry of Public Works and
28 
Highways", and Executive Order No. 123, issued on January 30, 1987,
29 
"Reorganization Act of Ministry of Social Services and Development".
30 
(3) Republic Act No. 3601, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 552 and
31 
Presidential Decree No. 1702, pertaining to the creation of the National
32 
Irrigation Administration;
53


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
(4) Section 1 of Executive Order No. 124-A, series of 1987, amending 
Executive Order No. 124, dated January 30, 1987, "Reorganizing the 
Department of Public Works and Highways, Redefining Its Powers and 
Functions, and for Other Purposes" on renaming and reorganizing the 
National Water Resources Council into the National Water Resources 
Board.
(b) The following provisions are hereby amended accordingly:
(1) Section 3 paragraph 3 of Commonwealth Act No. 146, as amended, 
otherwise known as the "Public Service Act" pertaining to ail cases 
involving the fixing of rates;
(2) Section 154, Article V, Chapter I, Title One, Book II of Republic Act No. 
7160, as amended, otherwise known as the "Local Government Code 
of 1991", and its implementing rules and regulations on the power of 
the local government units to fix the rates of water utilities owned, 
operated and maintained by them within their jurisdiction is hereby 
repealed or modified accordingly.
(3) Section 13 (b) on the regulation of enterprises within the Economic 
Zone under Republic Act No. 77916 as amended, otherwise known as 
"The Special Economic Zone Act of 1995";
(4) Section 69 of Republic Act No. 9593 otherwise known as "The Tourism 
Act of 2009" and its implementing rules and regulations which mandate 
the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority to grant 
franchise, supcmse the operation ot public utilities, and register, 
monitor and regulate enterprises within Tourism Enterprise Zones, are 
hereby repealed or modified accordingly;
(5) Sections 7 and 8 on the adjudication of water pollution cases under 
Republic Act No. 3931 entitled, "An Act Creating the National Water 
and Air Pollution Control Commission", particularly with respect to 
Section 6 letters e, f, g, j, k. Presidential Decree No. 984 entitled, 
"Providing for the Revision of Republic Act No. 3931, Commonly Known 
as the Pollution Control Law, and for Other Purposes";
54


1 
(6) Sections 4(1) and 7 of Republic Act No. 9275, otherwise known as the
2 
"Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004";
3 
(7) Articles 3(d) and 79 of Presidential Decree No. 1067, otherwise known
4 
as "The Water Code of the Philippines";
5 
(8) Sections 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, Chapter II of Presidential Decree No.
6 
856, otherwise known as the "Code on Sanitation of the Philippines";
7 
and,
8 
(9) Section 3.2 (b) of Executive Order No. 149 series of 1993 transferring
9 
the Laguna Lake Development Authority from the Office of the
10 
President to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
11 
All other laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, presidential
12 
proclamations, rules and regulations, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the
13 
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.
14 
Sec. 46. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
15 
publication in the Official Gaiette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved/
55