1 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.  _________ 
_________________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative LORENZ R. DEFENSOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The State is responsible for providing water security to all citizens and inhabitants of 
its country. The Philippines as a water-rich country needs to rationalize and streamline the 
implementation of its existing and sometimes overlapping policies, laws and regulations 
affecting its water resources including irrigation, sewage and sanitation. 
In President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address on 25 July 2022, the 
President called on Congress to pave the way for the creation of a Department of Water 
Resources to adopt an integrated water resource management and address the water 
supply issues in the country especially in the urban areas. 
The bill proposes to create the Department of Water Resources to serve as the 
primary agency responsible for national policy-making, coordination and management of 
all the water resources in the Philippines. All government agencies related to water shall be 
rationalized under this Department. Integrated Water Resources Management shall be 
adopted as the strategic framework for water management policy-making and planning in 
the country.  
The bill also proposes to create an independent Water Regulatory Commission to 
ensure the effective and adequate delivery of water and sanitation services throughout the 
country under a credible, transparent and accountable regulatory framework. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
LORENZ R. DEFENSOR 
August 16, 2022
1:20 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _________ 
Introduced by Representative LORENZ R. DEFENSOR 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR WATER RESOURCE 
MANAGEMENT FOR THIS PURPOSE CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER 
RESOURCES AND THE WATER REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEFINING THEIR 
MANDATES, POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AND APPROPRIATINGS FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: 
CHAPTER I 
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GENERAL PROVISIONS 
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SEC.1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “National Water Act”. 
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SEC.2. Declaration of Policy. –  Access to water is a basic human right. All water belongs to 
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the State which shall govern its development and utilization for the people.  
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It is hereby declared the policy of the State to ensure the provision of safe, adequate, 
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affordable, and sustainable water supply and improved sanitation services, while maintaining the 
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protection, preservation, and revival of the quality of the country’s water resources and ecological 
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balance. 
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In pursuit of this policy, this Act shall have the principal objective of ensuring and 
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accelerating universal access to water supply and sanitation services, in a regulatory regime that 
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encourages responsible private sector participation, and shall foster and prioritize the establishment 
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of infrastructure and public works that adopt innovative solutions and international best practices to 
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address the challenges of climate change. Further, all water and water treatment infrastructure 
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projects are hereby declared as projects imbued with national interest. 
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 SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act:  
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(a) Bulk water supplier refers to any entity, natural or juridical, whether public or private, 
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supplying or intending to supply large quantities of raw or treated water to buyers who will 
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use these for their own consumption, such as industrial companies, or for retail distribution to 
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consumers such as water service providers or real estate developers managing their own 
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distribution network.  
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(b) Environmental services refer to qualitative functions of natural non-produced assets of land, 
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water, and air, including related ecosystems, and their biota, and which may be categorized 
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into three basic types: (a) disposal services which reflect the functions of the natural 
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environment as an absorptive sink for residuals; (b) productive services which reflect the 
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economic functions of providing natural resource inputs and space for production and 
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consumption, and (c) consumer or consumption services which provide for physiological as 
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well as recreational and related needs of human beings. 
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(c) Flood Control refers to methods, acts, and protocols to be observed in order to prevent and 
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reduce the detrimental and catastrophic effects of flood waters which include sediment-laden 
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or turbid flows, and hyper-concentrated flows or debris flows. 
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(d) Flood Risk Management (FRM) refers to such acts of defining and determining the 
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appropriate methods, acts, and protocols aimed at preventing and reducing the risk of 
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incurring loss of both life and property due to flood waters. Flood risk management consists 
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of a cycle of prevention, mitigation, adaptation, preparedness and early warning, and 
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response and recovery. The elements of FRM include: integrating land-use planning and 
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coastal zone management into water management; adopting a holistic approach so that FRM 
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is part of wider risk or multi-hazard management of earthquakes, landslides, and storm 
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surges; managing risk and uncertainty as a whole so it not only mitigates hydrological 
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uncertainties but also social, economic and political uncertainties on account of human 
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behavior and the cultural dimensions of FRM. 
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(e) Gender Equality refers to the principle asserting the equality of men and women and their 
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right to enjoy equal conditions realizing their full human potentials to contribute to and 
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benefit from the results of development, and with the State recognizing that all human beings 
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are free and equal in dignity and rights. 
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(f) Infrastructure and public works refer only to wholly or primarily water-related projects and 
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does not include projects that do not fall within the purview of the objectives, power and 
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duties of the Department of Water Resources created under this Act.
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(g) Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) refers to a systematic, collaborative, and 
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multi-stakeholder process which promotes the coordinated development and management of 
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water, land, and related resources within geophysical boundaries in order to maximize the 
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resultant economic and social welfare in an equitable manner, and without compromising the 
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sustainability of vital ecosystems. 
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(h) Levels of water supply refer to communal sources of water described according to location 
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and size of the recipient human settlement as follows: 
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1. Level I or the point source is a protected well or a developed spring with an outlet but 
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without any distribution system, generally adaptable to rural and upland areas where the 
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houses are thinly scattered, and is a facility which usually serves an average of 15 
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households.
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2. Level II or the communal faucet system or stand posts is a system composed of a water 
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source, a reservoir, a piped distribution network, and communal faucets where one faucet 
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serves 4 to 6 households and is generally suitable for rural and urban fringe areas where 
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houses are clustered densely to justify a simple piped system.
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3. Level III or the waterworks system or individual house connections is a system with a 
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water source, a reservoir, a piped distribution network and household taps, suitable for 
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densely populated urban areas. 
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(i) License refers to the Water Supply and/or Sanitation Services Operating License that the 
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Water Regulatory Commission is authorized to grant and issue to service providers. 
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(j) Licensee refers to a service provider to whom a license is granted or issued by the Water 
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Regulatory Commission.
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(k) Missionary Water Services refer to water supply or services to areas that have no existing safe 
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water supply and services due to geographic limitation or absence of economic and market 
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viability.
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(l) National Water Resources Management Plan (NWRMP) refers to a policy document that
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contains a framework to guide the development and management of all the water resources in
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the Philippines, the general strategies and work to be pursued to ensure the sustainability of 
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the resource towards water security, and top-level direction on the utilization of existing 
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water resources in line with national development plans, policies, and programs in 
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accordance with the IWRM framework. The NWRMP shall also include a water infrastructure 
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development program or all waters of the country as well as provide general guidance on how 
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this shall be supported within an integrated financing framework that can draw from public, 
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private, and international development funding sources. 
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(m) Net Waste Load refers to the difference of the initial waste load of the abstracted water and 
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the waste load of the final effluent discharge of an industry. 
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(n) Regulatory Units refer to the offices established under Section 20 of this Act which issue 
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licenses authorizing the operation of Water Supply and Sanitation Services, and provide, 
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review, determine, fix, and approve water and sewerage tariffs, rates, and charges that 
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licensees may impose.  
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(o) River basin refers to an area of land drained by a stream or body of fixed water and its 
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tributaries which have a common outlet for surface run-off.  
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(p) River Basin Organization (RBO) refers to multi-stakeholder organizations which plan, 
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coordinate, and monitor activities within a river basin cluster. 
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(q) Sanitation refers to the provision of facilities and services for the safe management of human 
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excreta, from toilet to containment, and storage and treatment onsite or conveyance, treatment 
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and eventual safe end use or disposal, and includes the safe management of solid waste and 
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animal waste. 
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(r) Sediment management refers to control of sediment erosion and deposition in rivers, 
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reservoirs, and coastal zones through non-structural and structural measures and control 
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works.  
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(s) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also known as the 17 Global Goals refer to the 
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universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy 
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peace and prosperity by 2030 adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015.  
113 
(t) Septage is the liquid and solid material pumped from a septic tank, cesspool, or other primary 
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treatment source. .  
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(u) Septage Management refers to the provision of proper collection, treatment, and disposal of 
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septage. 
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(v)  Service Area refers to the area covered by the water distribution system, sewerage, and /or 
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septage management services.  
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(w) Service Provider refers to any entity, natural or juridical, whether private or public, providing 
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or intending to provide levels II & III water supply, including bulk water suppliers, sewerage, 
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septage treatment, and disposal services for domestic, residential, industrial, or commercial 
122 
use.   
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(x) Sewage refers to water borne human or animal wastes, excluding oil or oil waste, removed 
124 
from residences, buildings, institutions, and industrial and commercial establishments 
125 
together with such groundwater, surface water and storm waters as may be present including 
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such waste from vessels, offshore structures, other receptacles intended to receive or retain 
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waste or other places or the combination thereof.   
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(y) Sewerage refers to any system or network of pipelines, ditches, channels or conduits 
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including pumping stations, lift stations and force mains, service connections including other 
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infrastructure, devices, or appliances appurtenant thereto, which include the collection, 
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transport, pumping and treatment of sewage to a point of disposal. 
132 
(z) Sewers refer to pipes or such other works or structures which are built and constructed to 
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carry, transport, and dispose sewage. 
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(aa) Social inclusion refers to the process of improving the terms for disadvantaged individuals 
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and groups to take part in society.  
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(bb) Tariffs refer to such amounts which may be charged by licensees for their water supply and 
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sanitation services based on principles, standards, and guidelines established by the 
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Department of Water Resources. 
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(cc) Water Demand Management (WDM) refers to any method, whether technical, economic, 
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administrative, financial, or social that will accomplish one or more of the following: 
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1. Reduce the quantity or quality of water required to accomplish a specific task; 
142 
2. adjust the nature of the task or the way it is undertaken so that it can be accomplished 
143 
with less water or with lower quality water; 
144 
3. Reduce the loss in quantity or quality of water as it flows from source, through use, to 
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disposal; 
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4. Shift the timing of use from peak to off-peak periods; and 
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5. Increase the ability of the water system to continue to serve society during times when 
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water is in short supply. 
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(dd) Water Districts refer to government-owned and controlled corporations organized under 
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Presidential Decree No. 198, as amended, created primarily to acquire, install, operate, 
151 
maintain, and improve water supply and distribution systems for domestic, industrial and 
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municipal uses of residents and to provide, maintain and operate waste water collection, 
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treatment and disposal facilities within the boundaries of the district. 
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(ee) Water pollution refers to any alteration of the physical, chemical, biological, or radiological 
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properties of a body of water resulting in the impairment of its purity or quality. 
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(ff) Water Resource refers to water under the ground or groundwater, water above the ground 
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such as surface water, run-offs, floods, stormwater and urban drainage, treated wastewater, 
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water in the atmosphere or rain water, and the waters of the sea within the territorial 
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jurisdiction of the Philippines. 
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(gg) Water Resources Regions refer to the contiguous clusters of river basins which are grouped 
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together according to the hydrological boundaries, physiographic features, and homogeneity 
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in climate, whether or not they straddle different local government units, for administrative 
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purposes under the Department of Water Resources. 
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(hh) Water Service Provider (WSP) refers to the water district, any Local Government Unit 
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(LGU)-run water utility, Barangay Waterworks and Sanitation Association (BWSA), Rural 
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Waterworks Sanitation Association (RWSA), cooperative and private sector entity that 
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provides water supply services to any given area.  
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(ii) Water supply service refers to any activity comprising Levels I, II and III water supply 
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including bulk suppliers, suppliers to subdivisions, and other water service providers. 
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CHAPTER II 
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THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES 
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SEC. 4. The Department of Water Resources – There is hereby created and established the 
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Department of Water Resources, hereinafter referred to as the Department. 
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SEC. 5. Mandate of the Department. –The Department shall be the primary agency 
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responsible for the comprehensive and integrated identification and mapping of all water resources, 
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planning, policy formulation, and management of the ownership, appropriation, utilization, 
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exploitation, development, and protection of water resources in the Philippines to ensure the optimal 
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use thereof for domestic and municipal water supply, sanitation, irrigation, hydropower, industry, 
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navigation, flood management, and recreation except fisheries or aquaculture. 
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The Department shall also be the primary agency responsible for the planning and policy 
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formulation towards the attainment of universal access to safe, adequate, affordable, and sustainable 
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water supply, and improved sanitation services for all Filipinos. 
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The Department shall be the primary national agency to enforce Presidential Decree No. 1067 
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otherwise known as The Water Code of the Philippines and Republic Act No. 9275, otherwise known 
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as the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004. 
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The Department shall exercise the powers and functions of the defunct Pasig River 
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Rehabilitation Commission created under Executive Order No. 54 Series of 1999 and abolished 
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under Executive Order Executive Order No. 93 Series of 2019, specifically the following roles that 
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were transferred to the Manila Bay Task Force and DENR through the latter EO: 
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(a) Update and take the lead in the overall implementation of the Pasig River Rehabilitation 
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Master Plan, which shall harness the Pasig River’s potential for transportation, recreation 
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and tourism purposes while undertaking the rehabilitation and restoration of its maritime 
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life; and 
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(b) Ensure that the easements provided for in the Civil Code and other relevant laws are 
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enforced, especially in all the esteros and waterways that drain into the Pasig River                  
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as well as abate the dumping of untreated industrial wastewater and sewerage into the 
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river, including all acts and omissions in violation of Presidential Decree (PD) No. 984,     
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s. 1976, as amended entitled, Providing For The Revision Of Republic Act No. 3931, 
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Commonly Known As The Pollution Control Law, And For Other Purposes, PD No. 274, 
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s. 1973 entitled, Pertaining To The Preservation, Beautification, Improvement And 
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Gainful Utilization Of The Pasig River, Providing For The Regulation And Control Of 
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Pollution Of The River And Its Banks In Order To Enhance Its Development, Thereby 
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Maximizing Its Utilization For Socio-Economic Purposes, and other related laws.  
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SEC. 6. Guiding Principles. –In the pursuit of its mandate, the Department shall be guided by 
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the following key principles: 
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(a) The concept of good water governance for water security and sufficiency shall be adopted 
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across all levels of governance by stakeholders such as the national government, local 
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government, non-government organizations, private organizations, individuals, even global 
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societal actors, and in various sectors such as water supply, irrigation, fisheries, hydropower, 
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navigation, ecosystem services, flood management, climate change, and recreation. It shall 
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entail publicly transparent, socially accountable, and multi-stakeholder participatory water 
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policy planning, management, and decision-making processes. 
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(b) Access to safe water supply and improved sanitation is a human right that needs to be 
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fulfilled and protected.  
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(c) Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) shall be adopted as the basic framework 
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which is the coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources 
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within hydrological boundaries to optimize economic and social welfare without 
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compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems. The IWRM Framework shall include an 
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enabling environment that utilizes proper policies, legal instruments, and   institutional 
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frameworks for effective implementation, participatory and collaborative water policy and 
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management decisions, and management instruments for efficient use of updated and 
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accurate data, science-based decision support systems, proper information, education, 
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communication (IEC) programs, assessment and allocation tools, or regulatory functions. It 
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shall observe the mutual accountability mechanism among stakeholders at the national, 
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regional, and global levels reinforcing multi-stakeholder decision-making following a 
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framework with specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely actions. 
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(d) Each river basin has its unique characteristics relating to the physical, socio cultural, and 
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other aspects, and water management shall be performed at river-basin level, involving all the 
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stakeholders at that particular river basin.  
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(e) Integrated and accurate data collection and analysis and the use of scientific decision support 
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systems shall be undertaken in water resources management including flood modeling and 
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warning systems that are essential for an effective, efficient, and sustainable water resources 
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management system. 
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(f) The development of water resources shall include strategies for the mitigation of water-
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related hazards and climate change adaptation. 
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(g) Water resources and services should be provided where they are intended and most needed so 
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that water is fairly and sustainably managed.  
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(h) The proper operation and maintenance of waterworks systems resulting in the uninterrupted 
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and adequate supply and distribution of potable water for domestic and other purposes, and 
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the proper operation and maintenance of sewerage systems which are essential services to 
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public health and safety, are to be ensured at all times. The State shall therefore supervise and 
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control the establishment, operation, and maintenance of such systems.  
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SEC 7. Objectives of the Department. – The Department shall: 
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(a) Promote and adopt water demand management as a national policy to ensure that water is 
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optimized, that water efficiency and conservation become a way of life, that the recycling and 
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reuse of water and treated wastewater are widely practiced, that water is properly priced to 
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encourage efficient use and conservation and that rainwater, flood waters, and run-offs are 
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captured or harvested, stored and treated for future use; 
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(b) Prioritize and seek the immediate attainment of universal access to safe, adequate, affordable 
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and sustainable water supply and improved sanitation services for all Filipinos in a manner 
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consistent with the protection, preservation, and revival of the quality of the country’s water 
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resources, and to adopt all needed measures to advance the right of the people to a balanced 
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and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. 
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(c) Strengthen and coordinate integrated water resources management planning and policy 
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making to ensure sustainable and fair allocation and efficient use of water resources among 
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competing uses and users; 
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(d) Ensure that integrated water resources management is strongly coordinated with land use and 
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coastal and multi-hazard planning and management; 
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(e) Develop sustainably, and manage water sources and water resources toward water security, 
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taking into consideration water, land, and related resources aimed at increasing water 
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dependability for different uses, optimizing economic benefits and social welfare without 
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compromising the sustainability of vital environmental systems; 
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(f) Strengthen and coordinate policy making and planning towards ensuring the availability of 
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water for food security and energy security, as well as towards the protection of communities 
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and environments from or against flood and other water induced hazards including sediment 
289 
hazards;  
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(g) Ensure that the strategy for water resources development and conservation is participatory, 
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and that planners, policymakers and users including community members are involved at all 
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levels; 
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(h) Develop a standardized pricing framework for water use, that accounts for environmental 
295 
externalities; and 
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(i) Ensure that all sources of water, including surface water, groundwater, rainwater and 
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floodwater are identified, mapped, monitored, conserved and managed for productive use and 
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the resulting wastewater is managed properly, reused, and responsibly disposed of following 
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approved environmental standards. 
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SEC.8. Powers and Functions of the Department. – The Department shall have the following 
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powers and functions: 
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I. Policymaking and Planning 
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(a) Ensure that Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is adopted as the strategic 
308 
framework for water management policymaking and planning in the country and coordinate 
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the implementation, promotion, revision and enhancement of IWRM plans;  
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(b) Formulate policies, strategies, and targets in coordination with other relevant entities to meet 
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the goals and objectives for water supply and sanitation, water quality, irrigation, 
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hydropower, flood control, stormwater utilization, and urban drainage. Such policies shall, 
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among other guidelines, integrate the issues of water and sanitation, food security, energy, 
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environment and flood control, and climate change; 
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(c) Formulate and develop policies to promote universal access to safe, adequate, affordable, and 
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sustainable water supply, and improved sanitation services for all Filipinos; 
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(d) Regularly update, every five years or as deemed necessary by the Department, and in 
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consultation with other agencies and stakeholders, the NWRMP following the IWRM 
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framework and integrate therein a national land use plan; 
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(e) Undertake river basin survey, inventory and appraisal of water and related resources, and 
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develop comprehensive basin-wide plans of storage, retardation, and control to maximize 
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conservation and multipurpose use of water in the basin; 
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(f) Conduct continuing hydrological and hydrometeorological surveys and studies of the 
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country’s renewable water supply,  and establish,  operate,  and  maintain  observation  station  
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networks  with  a view towards  formulating  long-term  policies  to  balance  the  
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sustainability  and  optimal multiple use of water resources, defining the hydrologic 
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boundaries of basins of the existing water supply sources and developing or updating and 
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implementing countrywide comprehensive basin-wide master plans; 
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(g) Strengthen and coordinate policy making and planning for flood management, integrated with 
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stormwater or urban drainage and appropriate retention or retarding basins in order to harvest 
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and reuse water, and to plan against, prevent, and minimize the detrimental and catastrophic 
337 
effects of flooding; 
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(h) Assist and provide the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) with the 
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required data and input from the water sector in the formulation of the country’s short-term 
341 
and long-term strategic development plans and actions, and recommend to the NEDA Board  
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the adoption of general policies and guidelines for water resources development; 
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(i) Review, approve, and provide oversight over all water-related development plans and 
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programs of any agency within the context of the National Water Resource Management 
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Framework Plan, and overall national plans and programs; 
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(j) Develop and implement, in coordination with other relevant agencies, effective codes, 
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standards, benchmarks, and reasonable guidelines to ensure the safety of all public and 
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private water structures in the country, and assure efficiency and proper quality in the 
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construction of water, sanitation, irrigation, hydropower, flood control and drainage 
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infrastructure; 
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(k) Ensure that gender equality, social inclusion, environmental protection, climate resiliency, 
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and disaster risk reduction are integrated into any water resource management planning, 
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policy-making, and the design and construction of water infrastructure; 
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(l) Ensure that the planning and design of water infrastructure considers the highest efficiency 
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and most appropriate technology and quality, in accordance with national development 
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objectives; 
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(m) Review existing guidelines appropriate for private sector participation in the water sector and 
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submit recommendations to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of NEDA and other 
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concerned agencies to promote and enable more PPPs in the sector; 
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(n) Build a central repository of water data and effect inter-sectoral, inter-agency, and inter-
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departmental coordination on all aspects of data gathering and management for water 
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resources development planning and compel the submission of statistics and data on water 
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utilization with the aim of operationalizing the integrated approach to water resources 
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management; 
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(o) Ensure the effective implementation of all the provisions of Republic Act No. 9275, 
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Presidential Decree No. 1067, and Sections 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13, Chapter II of Presidential 
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Decree No. 856, otherwise known as the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines;    
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(p) Promote Philippine participation in information sharing and education on best practices in 
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support of international efforts to achieve universal access to safe water and improved 
377 
sanitation; and the integration of water, energy, environment and food security; and 
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(q) Issue and promulgate rules, regulations and guidelines as may be necessary to implement and 
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enforce its powers and functions under this Act. 
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II. Resource Regulation 
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(a) Manage and conserve the country’s water resources to ensure the optimal use thereof for 
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domestic water supply, sanitation, irrigation, hydropower, navigation, flood control, and 
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recreation purposes, and enhance and maintain water quality, conserve watersheds, control 
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water pollution, and restore the environment, without compromising the natural ecosystem 
388 
functions and services; 
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(b) Regulate and control the utilization, abstraction, diversion and development of water 
391 
resources, taking in consideration their equitable distribution among competing demands and 
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determine the standards of beneficial and priority uses of water in times of crisis and national 
393 
emergencies; 
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(c) Formulate, promulgate, and enforce rules and regulations for the development and optimum 
396 
use of water resources and its administration and management, including coherent water 
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protocols, operating rules of all existing and future water infrastructure; general criteria, 
398 
methods and standards for basic data collection and project identification, formulation and 
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planning, and appropriate sanctions to be imposed for non-compliance; 
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(d) Regularly review regulations prescribed by any government agency pertaining to water use, 
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exploitation, development, and conservation or protection of waters, water resources, and 
403 
watershed or basin areas with respect to this Act; 
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(e) Impose fees or charges, as may be deemed necessary for water resources conservation and 
406 
protection, such as: 
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1) Polluter’s Fee, which shall be based on the net waste load depending on the 
409 
wastewater charge formula pursuant to Republic Act No. 9275; 
410 
2) Raw water price, which shall take into account, among others, the scarcity of water; 
411 
and 
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3) Appropriate payment structures for environmental services: 
413 
 
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(f) Deputize LGUs to collect the national fees or charges for resource regulation within their 
415 
respective jurisdictions; 
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(g) Collect, regularly update, monitor, and analyze water resources data including climatology, 
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hydrological and other water-related data and ensure that such data is easily accessible by 
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relevant and authorized users; 
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(h) Establish, operate, and maintain observation station networks and a centralized water 
422 
resources data center for the scientific survey and appraisal of surface and groundwater 
423 
potentials of the country, and determine the annual renewable water available per water 
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resources region; 
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(i) Maintain a database that will contain updated relevant information on water data which will 
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be accessible by relevant and authorized users; 
428 
 
429 
(j) Develop and continuously update a computerized decision support system that incorporates 
430 
data management systems relating to acquisition and database, model base in terms of 
431 
physical design, planning and decision models, and user-friendly interface concerning 
432 
graphical and visualization tools;  
433 
 
434 
(k) Conduct and promote special studies and research on water economics and other water 
435 
resources development and management issues and concerns such as climate change, weather 
436 
modification, flood monitoring and modeling, environmental quality, and desalination; and 
437 
 
438 
(l) Raise public awareness through information, education and communications programs, and 
439 
build capacities for informed participation in water resources management at the national and 
440 
river-basin level. 
441 
 
442 
III. Institutional Arrangement with Public Water Organizations  
443 
 
444 
(a) Develop guidelines including rules of partnership, between and among the Department, field 
445 
offices of national government agencies, LGUs and other stakeholders in water resource 
446 
management, and facilitate the establishment of multi-stakeholder river basin organizations 
447 
(RBOs) per river basin, and strengthen and support existing RBOs and monitor their 
448 
activities; 
449 
 
450 
(b) Develop materials for capacity building and training of prospective RBOs; 
451 
 
452 
(c) Authorize its representatives or any deputized agent to enter any property of public dominion 
453 
with or without prior notice and consent, any private land, building or enclave, whether 
454 
inhabited or not, for the purpose of conducting hydrologic surveys and investigations, 
455 


 
 
                         
15 
 
including assessing and evaluating the conditions of water facilities installed, and 
456 
determining compliance with water laws and standards; 
457 
(d) Provide technical assistance to water users including farmers, communities, and LGUs and 
458 
other water service providers (WSP) whether directly or in coordination with other agencies 
459 
on all aspects of integrated water resources management;  
460 
 
461 
(e) Respond to consumer complaints, and ensure the adequate promotion of consumer interests; 
462 
 
463 
(f) Deputize agents, whether from the public or private sector, to assist in the performance of any 
464 
of the powers and functions of the Department; 
465 
 
466 
(g) Appoint, hire, and maintain adequate staff and personnel, advisers or consultants with 
467 
suitable qualifications and experience, as necessary, subject to existing rules and regulations. 
468 
 
469 
IV. Coordination 
470 
 
471 
(a) Coordinate and integrate water resources development activities of the country within the 
472 
context of national plans and policies for social and economic development; 
473 
 
474 
(b) Coordinate with other government agencies, universities, academe and private professional 
475 
groups in all aspects of data gathering, the conduct of special studies and research on all 
476 
related aspects of water resources management and development such as climate change, 
477 
environmental quality, desalination, and the development of operating strategies, procedures, 
478 
and protocols and accompanying computerized decision tools for major water facilities;   
479 
 
480 
(c) Coordinate with the concerned and relevant agencies engaged in flood control, flood risk 
481 
management, and drought risk management; and 
482 
 
483 
(d) Coordinate proactively with LGUs to ensure the integration of water resources development 
484 
plans into their comprehensive land use plans (CLUPs), Comprehensive Development Plans 
485 
(CDPs) or Provincial Physical Framework and Development Plan (PPFDP).  
486 
 
487 
 
488 
 
489 


 
 
                         
16 
 
 
490 
 
491 
V. Other Functions 
492 
 
493 
(a) Create, when necessary, water resource subsidiaries, instrumentalities, and entities to engage 
494 
in water transmission, water distribution, wastewater treatment and management, and 
495 
sanitation in accordance with existing relevant laws.  
496 
 
497 
(b) Enter into contracts, joint venture agreements or understanding, public-private partnerships, 
498 
and memorandum of agreements or understanding, either domestic or foreign, relating to 
499 
investment and financing water-related projects, under such terms and conditions as the 
500 
Department may deem proper and reasonable subject to existing laws. 
501 
 
502 
(c) Exercise such other powers and functions necessary or incidental to the effective 
503 
administration and management of the country’s water resources. 
504 
 
505 
SEC. 9. Secretary of the Department of Water Resources. – The authority and responsibility 
506 
for the exercise of the mandate of the Department and for the discharge of its powers and functions 
507 
shall be vested in the Secretary of the Department, hereinafter referred to as the Secretary, who shall: 
508 
 
509 
(a) Advise the President on the promulgation of executive or administrative orders, regulations, 
510 
proclamations and other issuances relative to matters under the jurisdiction of the 
511 
Department; 
512 
(b) Establish the policies and standards for the operation of the Department pursuant to the 
513 
President’s guidelines; 
514 
(c) Promulgate rules and regulations necessary to carry out the objectives, policies, and functions 
515 
of the Department; 
516 
(d) Exercise supervision and control over all bureaus and offices under the Department;  
517 
(e) Supervise all attached agencies and corporations in accordance with law; 
518 
(f) Represent the Department in contracts, awards, and other similar agreements;  
519 
(g) Delegate authority for the performance of any power or function, as defined herein to 
520 
officials and employees under his direction as deemed appropriate;  
521 
(h) Act as the Chairperson of the governing board of the attached agencies of the Department; 
522 


 
 
                         
17 
 
(i) Designate and appoint officers and employees of the Department, excluding the 
523 
Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, and Regional and Assistant Regional Directors, in 
524 
accordance with the civil service laws, rules and regulations; and 
525 
(j) Perform such other duties and responsibilities as may be provided by law.  
526 
 
527 
SEC. 10. Office of the Secretary. – The Office of the Secretary shall be composed of the 
528 
Secretary, Undersecretary, Assistant Secretary and the Secretary’s immediate staff.  
529 
 
530 
SEC. 11. Undersecretaries. – The Secretary shall be assisted by not more than five (5) 
531 
Undersecretaries, who shall be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Secretary 
532 
namely: Undersecretary for Resource Regulation and Governance, Undersecretary for Inland Waters 
533 
and Water for Agriculture, Undersecretary for Resource Development, Undersecretary for Planning 
534 
and Policy and Undersecretary for Missionary Water, Indigenous People, and Special Concerns. 
535 
 
536 
The Secretary is hereby authorized to delineate and assign the respective functional areas of 
537 
responsibility of the Undersecretaries in accordance with the mandate and objectives of the 
538 
Department:  Provided, That no Undersecretary shall be assigned purely to administrative 
539 
responsibilities. Within their respective functional areas of responsibility, the Undersecretaries shall: 
540 
 
541 
(a) Advise and assist the Secretary in the formulation and implementation of the policies, plans, 
542 
programs and projects of the Department; 
543 
(b) Supervise all the operational activities of the assigned units for which the Undersecretary is 
544 
responsible to the Secretary; and 
545 
(c) Perform such other functions deemed necessary as may be assigned or delegated by the 
546 
Secretary to promote efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of public services or as may 
547 
be required by law:  Provided, That the Undersecretary for Planning and Policy shall,                  
548 
in coordination with the Planning and Policy Service, be primarily responsible for advancing 
549 
current efforts in attaining the ultimate goal of universal access to water supply and sanitation 
550 
systems, and sustainable management of water resources under the SDGs, and the integration 
551 
of water, energy, environment and food security. 
552 
 
553 
 
SEC. 12. Assistant Secretaries. – The Secretary shall be assisted by six (6) Assistant 
554 
Secretaries to be appointed by the President of the Philippines upon the recommendation of the 
555 
Secretary: one each for Planning and Policy Service, Decision Support System Service, Resource 
556 


 
 
                         
18 
 
Regulatory Service, Comptrollership and Financial Management Service, Legal and Legislative 
557 
Service, and Administrative and Human Resources Management Service. 
558 
 
559 
No person shall be appointed Secretary, Undersecretary and Assistant Secretary of the 
560 
Department unless the person is a citizen and resident of the Philippines, of good moral character, of 
561 
proven integrity, competence and expertise in water resource management: Provided, That at least 
562 
one (1) of the Undersecretaries and at least two (2) of the Assistant Secretaries shall be career 
563 
officers. 
564 
 
565 
SEC. 13. Organizational Structure. – The Department shall be composed of the following 
566 
organizational units: 
567 
 
568 
(a) Department Proper. – The Department shall consist of the Office of the Secretary, the Offices 
569 
of the Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, the Internal Audit Office, the Public Affairs 
570 
Office, the Water Pollution Adjudication Board, the Planning and Policy Service, Decision 
571 
Support System Service, Administrative and Human Resources Service, Legal and Legislative 
572 
Service, Comptrollership and Financial Management Service, Resource Regulation Service, and 
573 
the Water Resources Regional Offices. 
574 
 
575 
(b) Attached agencies. - The Department shall exercise administrative supervision over the 
576 
following agencies for purposes of policy and program coordination, monitoring, and 
577 
evaluation: 
578 
 
579 
1) The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), whose mandate, powers, and functions 
580 
are defined in Presidential Decree No. 198, otherwise known as the Public Water Utilities 
581 
Act of 1973, as amended, shall be transferred from the Department of Public Works and 
582 
Highways and attached to the Department. It shall continue to primarily function as a 
583 
specialized lending institution for the promotion, development, and financing of local 
584 
water utilities. In the implementation of its functions, the LWUA shall: 
585 
 
586 
i. prescribe minimum standards and regulations in order to assure acceptable standards 
587 
of construction materials and supplies, maintenance, operation, personnel training, 
588 
accounting and fiscal practices for local water utilities; 
589 
ii. furnish technical assistance and personnel training programs for local water utilities; 
590 
iii. monitor and evaluate local water standards; and 
591 


 
 
                         
19 
 
iv. effect system integration, joint investment and operation, district annexation and                   
592 
de-annexation whenever economically warranted as amended by Sec. 22, Presidential 
593 
Decree No. 768. 
594 
 
595 
2) The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), whose mandate, powers, 
596 
and functions are defined under Republic Act No. 6234, as amended entitled, An Act 
597 
Creating The Metropolitan Waterworks And Sewerage System And Dissolving The 
598 
National Waterworks And Sewerage Authority; And For And For Other Purposes, shall be 
599 
transferred from the DPWH and attached to the Department: Provided, That the MWSS 
600 
shall continue to facilitate the exercise by the concessionaires of their responsibility; carry 
601 
out accounting and notification functions; monitor, report, and administer loans; perform 
602 
related functions in connection with existing projects; manage and dispose its retained 
603 
assets; and manage and operate the Umiray-Angat Transbasin Project. 
604 
 
605 
3) The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), whose mandate, powers, and functions are 
606 
defined under Republic Act No. 3601 as amended by Presidential Decree No. 552 and 
607 
Presidential Decree No. 1702; 
608 
 
609 
 
610 
4) The Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), whose mandate, powers and functions 
611 
are defined under Republic Act No. 4850, as amended entitled, An Act Creating The 
612 
Laguna Lake Development Authority, Prescribing Its Powers, Functions And Duties, 
613 
Providing Funds Therefor, And For Other Purposes shall be transferred from the DENR 
614 
and attached to the Department.  
615 
 
616 
 The LLDA shall continue to serve as the lake management and development authority 
617 
similar to a multi-stakeholder river basin organization and shall ensure the 
618 
implementation of the Laguna Lake Master Plan which shall be updated by the 
619 
Department to ensure alignment with the NWRMP.  
620 
 
 
621 
 Any other agency performing water resources management, conservation and protection 
622 
functions may be transferred to the Department as the President deems necessary.  
623 
 
624 
(c) Offices, Functions and Personnel to be Completely Subsumed under the Department. – The 
625 
following offices with their powers, functions, personnel, applicable funds and 
626 
appropriations, records, equipment and property shall be subsumed under the Department: 
627 


 
 
                         
20 
 
1) The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) with all its divisions and sections, whose 
628 
mandate, powers and functions are provided in Presidential Decree No. 424, as amended; 
629 
2) The River Basin Control Office (RBCO) of the DENR whose mandate, powers and 
630 
functions are provided in Executive Order No. 510 and Executive Order No. 816, as 
631 
amended; 
632 
3) The Manila Bay Coordinating Office (MBCO) of the DENR which was created by virtue 
633 
of DENR Special Order 2011-01 to coordinate the efforts of the fourteen (14) national 
634 
agencies covered by the Mandamus Order of the Supreme Court to rehabilitate Manila 
635 
Bay; 
636 
4) The Water Resources Management Division of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management 
637 
of the Department of Agriculture (DA); 
638 
5) The Water Supply and Sanitation Unit of the Department of the Interior and Local 
639 
Government (DILG); and 
640 
6) The Water Quality Management Section of the Environmental Management Bureau 
641 
(EMB) of the DENR. 
642 
 
643 
(d) Functions to be Transferred to the Department. – The following functions of the respective 
644 
agencies, bureaus, and units shall be transferred to the Department:  
645 
 
646 
1) The hydrological surveys and groundwater mapping function of the Mines and 
647 
Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the DENR; 
648 
2) The hydrological surveys monitoring of stream flow and water data collection function of 
649 
the Bureau of Design and Bureau of Research and Standards of the DPWH; 
650 
3) The protection and conservation of natural wetlands such as lakes, marshes, swamps of the 
651 
Biodiversity Management Bureau of the DENR; and 
652 
4) The planning, programming, administration, monitoring, management of the National 
653 
Sewerage and Septage Management Program (NSSMP) by the DPWH. 
654 
5) The flood management planning and sediment management function of the Flood Control 
655 
Management Cluster of the DPWH; 
656 
6) The Water Resource Management Division and the water research functions of the Soils 
657 
and Water Research Division of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management under the DA.  
658 
All soil-related functions shall be retained under the Bureau which shall be renamed as the 
659 
Bureau of Soils. 
660 
 
661 


 
 
                         
21 
 
(e) Support Services - The Department shall create the following support services:  
662 
 
663 
1) The Planning and Policy Service shall provide the Department with the capability to 
664 
undertake water infrastructure development planning and programming, and shall 
665 
exercise the following functions: 
666 
 
667 
i. Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to water resources planning; 
668 
ii. Assist the Undersecretary for Planning and Policy on all matters related to the specific 
669 
functions of the position; 
670 
iii. Formulate strategies and priorities for water resources management and development 
671 
consistent with national development objectives, and initiate or undertake relevant 
672 
surveys for development planning; 
673 
iv. Develop and regularly update a comprehensive and integrated National Water 
674 
Resources Management Plan and ensure its integration into existing land use plans; 
675 
v. Coordinate river-basin planning following the integrated water resources management 
676 
framework and the river-basin approach;  
677 
vi. Formulate or update existing River Basin Master or Comprehensive Plans which 
678 
includes all aspects of water management and development such as   water supply 
679 
and sanitation, irrigation, flood control and stormwater or urban drainage, drought 
680 
risk management, water resource development systems and other public water works 
681 
projects, including phasing of implementation;  
682 
vii. Identify, based on the river basin master plan, priority packages for water 
683 
infrastructure development per river basin, including water supply, sanitation, 
684 
irrigation, flood control and stormwater or urban drainage, drought risk management, 
685 
water resource development systems and other public works projects, package 
686 
project proposals for funding and prioritize project implementation and the 
687 
allocation of funds and other resources and undertake or supervise and evaluate the 
688 
conduct of feasibility studies and project preparation thereof; 
689 
viii. Evaluate and appraise all regional and inter-regional infrastructure water development 
690 
plans and programs as to their feasibility and consistency with approved strategies 
691 
and medium and long -term plans;  
692 
ix. Gather, analyze, and organize needed statistical data and information;  
693 
x. Provide technical assistance related to its functions to the other services, bureaus and 
694 
the regional offices as needed;  
695 


 
 
                         
22 
 
xi. Conduct hydrological and hydraulic surveys and assessments of surface waters;  
696 
xii. Develop general criteria and standards on project investigation, formulation, planning;  
697 
xiii. Develop guidelines and standards on social inclusion in water resources management 
698 
and ensure policies, programs and plans are compliant with the gender and 
699 
development framework of the government;  
700 
xiv. Coordinate closely with PAGASA for rainfall and other climate data which shall be 
701 
considered in the planning for water resources development and management and for 
702 
various water infrastructure; and  
703 
xv. Perform such functions and activities, as may be mandated by law, which are 
704 
necessary for the effective attainment of the abovementioned objectives. 
705 
 
706 
2) The Decision Support System Service shall provide the Department with water resource 
707 
management tools and computerized decision support system that incorporates a data 
708 
management system relating to acquisition and database and model base in terms of 
709 
physical design, planning and decision models including services related to networking, 
710 
data management, and information   and knowledge or learning management systems for 
711 
administrative and non-technical support It shall provide the Secretary timely reports on 
712 
the status of various Department projects and activities. For this purpose, it shall exercise 
713 
the following functions:  
714 
 
715 
i. Provide the Secretary the necessary data and processed information to aid in policy 
716 
and management decisions under the mandate of the Department;  
717 
ii. Publish available real-time raw water data as well as verified or validated water data 
718 
in print or electronic form using latest internet technology; 
719 
iii. Conduct and publish in print and/or electronic form, standard data analysis such as 
720 
basic statistical analysis, trend analysis, analysis of runs, and cluster analysis; 
721 
iv. Develop and continuously update water resource management, computerized decision 
722 
support systems (DSS) that incorporate data management systems relating to 
723 
acquisition and database, model base in terms of physical, design, planning and 
724 
decision models, and user-friendly interface such as graphical and visualization 
725 
tools.  
726 
 
727 
 
The DSS is composed of: 1) a measurement or data acquisition system; 2) 
728 
information or database management system; 3) analytical and numerical models for 
729 


 
 
                         
23 
 
design, planning, decision or evaluation purposes, and 4) a user-friendly interface 
730 
which includes graphical interface or visualization tools.  
731 
 
732 
v. 
Develop and maintain specific models to include the following: 
733 
 
734 
1) long-term climatologic and weather forecasting model; 
735 
2) watershed models and river-flood plain models; 
736 
3) groundwater models and coupled to surface water models; 
737 
4) flood forecasting model for major rivers; 
738 
5) optimization-simulation management models for watershed conservation, 
739 
conjunctive surface and groundwater use, irrigation scheduling, normal and 
740 
emergency operations of multi-purpose reservoirs; and 
741 
6) water quality and ecological models. 
742 
 
743 
vi. 
Develop and administer the management information system and knowledge systems 
744 
 
of the Department to: 
745 
 
746 
1) Retrieve, process, and monitor information on all projects and activities in the 
747 
web portal; 
748 
2) Conduct and apply systems and process engineering, software development, 
749 
software configuration management;  
750 
3) Develop and manage its corporate database, unified database for water industry, 
751 
data warehouse, other water information resources, library services and 
752 
document management and archiving services;  
753 
4) Develop and manage its Information and Communications Technology (ICT) 
754 
infrastructure and ICT related-services including computer networking and voice 
755 
communications services and data exchange, AND   
756 
5) Manage the literacy and training services of the Department on various ICT and, 
757 
Knowledge Management (KM) tools and applications, including information and 
758 
knowledge management.  
759 
 
760 
vii. 
Perform such other related functions and activities which are necessary for the 
761 
effective administration of the management information and knowledge systems of 
762 
the Department.  
763 


 
 
                         
24 
 
3) The Administrative and Human Resource Service shall provide the Department with services 
764 
relating to human resources development, personnel, records, facilities maintenance, medical 
765 
and dental, security, property and procurement services, and shall exercise the following 
766 
functions: 
767 
 
768 
i. Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to internal administration and human 
769 
resources management;  
770 
ii. Prepare and implement an integrated personnel development plan that shall include 
771 
provisions for merit promotions, performance evaluation, job rotation, incentive 
772 
awards systems, and health and welfare services; 
773 
iii. Provide services related to human resource training, education and development 
774 
including manpower, career planning and forecasting, and development of 
775 
indigenous training materials;  
776 
iv. Develop, establish, and maintain an efficient and cost-effective property procurement 
777 
system and facilities and coordinate or otherwise interface with relevant agencies, 
778 
whether government or private, for the purpose of developing or upgrading the 
779 
system; 
780 
v. Develop, establish, and maintain an efficient and effective security system covering, 
781 
among others, personnel, physical installations, facilities, equipment, documents and 
782 
materials including the conduct of security investigations;  
783 
vi. Coordinate with the appropriate government agencies for a more efficient conduct of 
784 
administrative processes;  
785 
vii. Develop, establish, and maintain an efficient records system;  
786 
viii. Provide assistance in its area of specialization to the Department Proper, bureaus and 
787 
regional and water district offices and, when requested, to the government agencies 
788 
and corporations attached to the Department; and 
789 
ix. Perform such other related functions and activities which are necessary for the 
790 
effective management of the resources of the Department, including its human 
791 
resources.  
792 
 
793 
4) The Legal and Legislative Research Service shall provide the Department with services 
794 
on such legal affairs as contract letting and litigation, legal and legislative research, 
795 
complaints and investigation, legal counselling and other matters of law, and shall 
796 
exercise the following functions:  
797 


 
 
                         
25 
 
i. Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to legal and legislative affairs; 
798 
ii. Prepare Department contracts and legal instruments, review and interpret all contracts 
799 
and agreements entered into by the Department and evaluate all legal proposals; 
800 
iii. Conduct administrative investigation and the review of administrative charges against 
801 
officers and employees of the Department; 
802 
iv. Exercise functional jurisdiction over the legal staffs of Regional Offices; 
803 
v. Provide legal assistance to the Department Proper, the bureaus and regional offices 
804 
and when requested, the attached corporations; 
805 
vi. Develop and prepare the Department’s Legislative Agenda, recommend presidential 
806 
certification of the urgency of priority water bills, and other water-related legislation;  
807 
vii. Coordinate and maintain linkages between and among the various offices, bureaus, 
808 
regional offices and attached agencies to the Department along with other 
809 
government agencies on policy matters affecting the Department’s mandate in 
810 
relation to legislation; 
811 
viii. Perform liaison and networking activities in relation to the enactment of related laws 
812 
relating to water resources issues in legislative policymaking bodies such as the 
813 
Senate of the Philippines, the House of Representatives, and the various 
814 
Sanggunians;  
815 
ix. Monitor the progress of the Department’s priority or certified bills to ensure their 
816 
passage; and 
817 
x. Perform such functions and activities, as may be mandated by law, which are 
818 
necessary for the effective performance of the abovementioned objectives.  
819 
 
820 
5) The Comptrollership and Financial Management Service shall provide the Department   
821 
with coordinated services relating to financial systems and procedures, budget, cash, 
822 
accounting and all financial housekeeping matters, and shall exercise the following 
823 
functions: 
824 
 
825 
i. 
Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to the accounting of government 
826 
expenditures and receipts, budgeting and cash management, project finances and 
827 
financial systems and procedures;  
828 
ii. 
Prepare budget proposals and pursue formal budget authorizations, undertake budget 
829 
execution, and prepare and submit all appropriate reports to the proper offices; 
830 


 
 
                         
26 
 
iii. 
Develop and maintain accounting, financial and assets management systems, 
831 
procedures and practices in the Department Proper, Bureaus and Regional Offices; 
832 
iv. 
Review and appraise systems and procedures, organizational structure, assets 
833 
management practices, accounting, and other records, reports, and performance 
834 
standards such as budgets and standard costs of the Department, bureaus, and 
835 
regional offices; 
836 
v. 
Provide assistance in its area of specialization to any unit of the Department and, 
837 
when requested, to government corporations and councils attached to the 
838 
Department; and 
839 
vi. 
Perform such other related functions and activities which are necessary for the 
840 
effective financial management of the Department. 
841 
 
842 
6) The Resource Regulation Service shall provide the Department with services for the 
843 
effective regulation of all water-related services and activities and shall exercise the 
844 
following functions: 
845 
 
846 
i. Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to resource regulations; 
847 
ii. Determine, grant and regulate water rights for the appropriate, optimal and sustainable 
848 
use of surface and ground water; 
849 
iii. Determine and evaluate waterworks and sewerage licenses, and submit evaluation 
850 
results to the Water Regulatory Commission for the latter’s consideration in granting 
851 
of licenses; 
852 
iv. Investigate violations of the water rights and the Water Code, and impose the 
853 
appropriate sanctions in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations    as 
854 
well as future rules and regulations which the Department shall promulgate; 
855 
v. Adjudicate water use conflicts; and 
856 
vi. Perform such other related functions and activities which are necessary for the 
857 
effective regulation of water-related services. 
858 
 
859 
7)  The Internal Audit Service shall regularly conduct a comprehensive audit of various 
860 
Department activities and shall exercise the following functions: 
861 
 
862 
i. Advise the Secretary on all matters relating to management control and operations 
863 
audit; 
864 


 
 
                         
27 
 
ii. Conduct a performance audit of the management and operations of the Department, its 
865 
activities, the performance of all units, and determine the degree of compliance of 
866 
all operating units with established objectives, policies, standards, methods and 
867 
procedures, government regulations and contractual obligations of the Department; 
868 
iii. Review and appraise systems and procedures, organizational structure, assets 
869 
management practices, accounting and other records, and performance standards 
870 
such as budgets and standard costs of the Department Proper, bureaus and regional 
871 
offices; 
872 
iv. Analyze and evaluate management deficiencies and recommend realistic courses of 
873 
action; and 
874 
v. Perform such functions and activities, as may be mandated by law, which are 
875 
necessary for the effective performance of the abovementioned objectives.  
876 
 
877 
8) The Public Affairs Service shall enhance relations with all stakeholders including the 
878 
media, for the effective dissemination of information relating to water-related issues, 
879 
including important announcements on policies and activities of the department that is of 
880 
interest to the general public. It shall ensure that women, men, elderly, and people with 
881 
disabilities shall be consulted, organized and can take active part in all aspects of water 
882 
resources development and management activities. It shall also lead the planning and 
883 
organizing of special events, and shall exercise the following functions: 
884 
 
885 
I. 
     Public Awareness 
886 
 
887 
(a) Advise the Secretary on matters pertaining to public affairs; 
888 
(b) Develop and supervise the implementation of comprehensible communications 
889 
programs on relevant policies, programs and plans of the Department; 
890 
(c) Produce and supervise the dissemination of communication materials in line 
891 
with the priorities of the Department and national government public 
892 
information programs; 
893 
(d) Conduct public opinion and attitude surveys to identify the interests and 
894 
concerns of the stakeholders of the Department; 
895 
(e) Establish policies on the presentation and publication of the content of the 
896 
communication materials for dissemination to print and broadcast media; 
897 


 
 
                         
28 
 
(f) Establish and maintain linkages with the tri-media and a presence in social 
898 
media; 
899 
(g) Coordinate the conduct of interviews and news conferences; 
900 
(h) Make public announcements on matters relating to the work and activities of the 
901 
Department through the print and broadcast media, either through press releases 
902 
or live interviews; 
903 
(i) Coordinate with various Department units, concerned government agencies, tri-
904 
media and other stakeholders on matters related to the above-enumerated 
905 
functions; and 
906 
(j) Coordinate with the appropriate national government agencies involved in 
907 
public information affairs. 
908 
 
909 
II. 
     Promote Participation 
910 
 
911 
(a) Conduct public consultations and discussions;  
912 
(b) Develop and disseminate relevant and appropriate materials and programs for 
913 
public information and education, as well as advocacy campaign; 
914 
(c) Conduct seminars and workshops involving the LGUs and the general public on 
915 
current water issues and problems; and 
916 
(d) Conduct capability building seminars of various stakeholders to promote 
917 
meaningful participation in the Department’s policy making, planning, 
918 
development and implementation of various programs and projects. 
919 
 
920 
III. 
Special Events 
921 
 
922 
(a) Coordinate the organization and promotion of special events and water exhibits; 
923 
(b) Act as the focal office for all water related events; and 
924 
(c) Perform such functions and activities, as may be mandated by law, which are 
925 
necessary for the effective performance of the abovementioned objectives.  
926 
 
927 
(f) Bureaus. – The Department shall create bureaus which shall each be headed by a Bureau 
928 
Director. The Bureau Director shall be responsible for the efficient and effective discharge of 
929 
the functions of the Bureau concerned. The Bureau Director shall be assisted by one (1) 
930 
Assistant Director. 
931 


 
 
                         
29 
 
1) Bureau of Flood Control and Drainage shall plan and design flood control and drainage     
932 
structures    and   facilities   in     accordance with technical standards, guidelines and 
933 
manuals. For this purpose, it shall have the following duties and responsibilities: 
934 
 
935 
(a) Formulate policy, strategies and programs on flood risk management in the context of 
936 
integrated flood management (IFM) which integrates water, land, coastal zone and 
937 
multi-hazard management. In integrating land use planning and water management, 
938 
the Department shall harmonize and synthesize plans to enable the sharing of 
939 
information between land-use planning and   water management authorities. In this 
940 
regard, a holistic approach shall be adopted by making the IFM a part of a wider risk 
941 
or multi-hazard management system that includes earthquakes, landslides, fires, 
942 
tsunami, and other calamities of the same gravity or nature; 
943 
(b) Integrate climate change and disaster risk reduction and management in policies and 
944 
plans; 
945 
(c) Prepare master plans of flood management and drainage in river basins in 
946 
coordination with the concerned water resources region and river basin organizations;  
947 
(d) Prepare master plans for urban drainage in cities and municipalities; 
948 
(e) Prepare feasibility studies of recommended measures in the master plans; 
949 
(f) Plan and design structural measures for flood control and drainage; 
950 
(g) Implement and collaborate with concerned agencies on the formulation and adoption 
951 
of non-structural measures for flood control and drainage; 
952 
(h) Patrol and investigate rivers, and monitor stream flows; 
953 
(i) Conduct post-disaster investigation and evaluation and damage assessment of flood 
954 
infrastructures after extreme events; 
955 
(j) Conduct research and development on water and sediment-related disasters;  
956 
(k) Develop design guidelines, criteria, and standards on flood control and drainage 
957 
structures; 
958 
(l) Provide technical assistance to other agencies, LGUs, and other stakeholders;  
959 
(m) Advise the Secretary on declaring flood control areas and recommend guidelines for 
960 
flood plain management plans in these areas; and  
961 
(n) Perform such related activities which are necessary for the effective performance of its 
962 
functions. 
963 
 
964 


 
 
                         
30 
 
2) Bureau of Water Quality Management shall supervise and exercise control over all aspects 
965 
of water quality management to ensure the sustainability of the country’s water resources 
966 
and the protection of the environment. It should take into account proper and integrated 
967 
treatment of freshwater and wastewater within the whole process. For this purpose, the 
968 
Bureau shall exercise the following functions: 
969 
 
970 
(a) Establish water quality guidelines for freshwater and coastal or marine waters as basis 
971 
for classifying water bodies in the country. Specifically, develop water quality indices 
972 
or composite metrics to measure the quality status and health of natural water bodies in 
973 
relation to ecological integrity and function; 
974 
(b) Establish effluent standards for point discharges to receiving bodies of water;  
975 
(c) Establish internationally accepted procedures for sampling and analysis;  
976 
(d) Prepare an integrated water quality management framework; 
977 
(e) Prepare the ten-year water quality management plans for each water quality 
978 
management area as part of the River Basin Master Plans and in support of the 
979 
NWRMP; 
980 
(f) Classify groundwater sources and prepare a national groundwater vulnerability map;  
981 
(g) Classify or reclassify all water bodies according to their beneficial usages using the 
982 
established water quality guidelines established; 
983 
(h) Issue permits, clearances, and similar instruments pursuant to the Clean Water Act of 
984 
2004; 
985 
(i) Collect the wastewater discharge fees for all permittees; 
986 
(j) Monitor the compliance of water discharge permittees with the effluent standards;  
987 
(k) Regularly monitor the water quality of major water bodies in the country and analyze 
988 
the data to identify possible sources of pollution;  
989 
(l) Issue notices of violations and/or cease and desist orders for those found in violation;  
990 
(m) File the needed cases against violators with the Water Pollution Adjudication Board 
991 
(WPAB);  
992 
(n) Serve as secretariat of the WPAB; and  
993 
(o) Perform such functions and activities, as may be mandated by law, which are necessary 
994 
for the effective performance of the abovementioned objectives.  
995 
 
996 
3) A Water Resources Regional Office (WRRO) shall be organized per water resources region 
997 
and shall be responsible for implementing the mandates, powers and duties of the 
998 


 
 
                         
31 
 
Department at the field level, except for policymaking which will be vested solely in the 
999 
Department. The formulation of the master plan for the nearby river basins such as the 
1000 
Pasig-Marikina-Laguna Lake-Cavite, shall be the responsibility of the Department. Each 
1001 
WRRO shall perform the following duties and responsibilities: 
1002 
 
1003 
(a) Formulate or update and coordinate the river basin master plans for river basins within 
1004 
its jurisdictions ensuring consistency with the National Water Resources Management 
1005 
Framework Plan;  
1006 
(b) Advocate and strongly support the creation and functioning of multi-stakeholder river 
1007 
basin organizations (RBOs) and serve as the secretariat of the said RBOs; 
1008 
(c) Undertake and evaluate the planning, design, and work supervision functions   of the 
1009 
Department for the water infrastructures within the region; 
1010 
(d) Ensure the implementation of laws, policies, programs, rules and regulations 
1011 
regarding the abovementioned infrastructure as well as public and private physical 
1012 
structures; 
1013 
(e) Provide technical assistance related to the water-related functions of other agencies 
1014 
within the region especially the local government;  
1015 
(f) Coordinate with other departments, agencies, institutions and organizations, especially 
1016 
local government units within the region in the planning and implementation of the 
1017 
river basin master plans; 
1018 
(g) Conduct consultations with the local communities, take appropriate measures to 
1019 
ensure that the services of the Department are responsive, and recommend such 
1020 
appropriate actions as may be necessary; and  
1021 
(h) Perform such functions and activities, as may be mandated by law, which are 
1022 
necessary for the effective performance of the abovementioned   objectives.  
1023 
 
1024 
The Department shall retain existing Project Management Offices as may be required, which 
1025 
shall be under the supervision and control of the appropriate Water Resources Regional Office unless 
1026 
otherwise determined by the Secretary for reasons of supra- regional scope, magnitude and multi-
1027 
functional coverage. 
1028 
 
1029 
     Each Water Resources Regional Office shall be headed by a Water Resources Regional 
1030 
Director who shall be responsible for efficiently and effectively carrying out the duties and 
1031 
responsibilities of the Office. Towards this end, the Water Resources Regional Director shall exercise 
1032 


 
 
                         
32 
 
functional and administrative supervision over all units within the region and is authorized to commit 
1033 
resources and assign personnel to integrated regional water resources management, water supply and 
1034 
sanitation management, and flood control and flood risk management initiatives. The Water 
1035 
Resources Regional Director shall also perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may 
1036 
be assigned or delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by law. 
1037 
 
1038 
The Water Resources Regional Director shall be assisted by two (2) Assistant Water Resources 
1039 
Regional Office Directors who shall exercise supervision over (1) the planning, project design and 
1040 
evaluation function and (2) technical assistance to the River Basin Organizations within the water 
1041 
resources region. 
1042 
 
1043 
SEC. 14. Water Pollution Adjudication Board. – There is hereby created a Water Pollution 
1044 
Adjudication Board under the Office of the Secretary. The Board shall be composed of the Secretary 
1045 
as Chairperson, two (2) Undersecretaries as may be designated by the Secretary, the Director of 
1046 
Water Quality Management Bureau, and three (3) other representatives from other stakeholders to be 
1047 
designated by the Secretary as members. 
1048 
 
1049 
 The Board shall assume the powers and functions of the National Pollution Control 
1050 
Commission with respect to the adjudication of water pollution cases under Republic Act No. 3931 
1051 
entitled, An Act Creating The National Water And Air Pollution Control Commission, Presidential 
1052 
Decree 984 entitled Providing For The Revision Of Republic Act No. 3931, Commonly Known as the 
1053 
Pollution Control Law, And For Other Purposes, particularly with respect to Section 6 letters e, f, g, 
1054 
j, k and Republic Act No. 9275. The Bureau of Water Quality Management shall serve as the 
1055 
Secretariat of the Board. These powers and functions may be delegated to the field officers of the 
1056 
Department in accordance with rules and regulations to be promulgated by the Board. 
1057 
 
1058 
CHAPTER III 
1059 
 
1060 
INTERDEPARTMENTAL RELATIONS 
1061 
AND INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS OF THE DEPARTMENT     
1062 
   
1063 
SEC. 15. Interface and Institutional Arrangements with Other Agencies. – 
1064 
 
1065 


 
 
                         
33 
 
(a) The Department of Health (DOH) shall continue to have primary authority and responsibility 
1066 
for setting and enforcing drinking water quality standards. The Department shall coordinate 
1067 
with the DOH in this aspect, and shall ensure consistency of standards and targets, as well as 
1068 
the compliance of permittees with mandated standards;  
1069 
 
1070 
(b) The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) shall continue to have 
1071 
primary authority and responsibility for protecting the environment and managing the 
1072 
country’s watersheds; 
1073 
 
1074 
(c) The Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Power Corporation (NPC) shall continue 
1075 
to have primary authority and responsibility for establishing and operating hydropower 
1076 
plants, but shall ensure that hydropower plant development plans are consistent with the 
1077 
National Water Development and Management Plan; 
1078 
 
1079 
(d) The Department shall coordinate with the DA to ensure agricultural development that reduces 
1080 
long-term pollution for surface water and groundwater, and agricultural and industrial 
1081 
economic development that employs water efficiency, water recycling or reuse, and the 
1082 
appropriate treatment of wastewater; 
1083 
 
1084 
(e) The Department shall coordinate with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management 
1085 
Council (NDRRMC) to ensure that its plans and designs for flood control, flood risk 
1086 
management and drought risk management are aligned with the objectives and plans of the 
1087 
Department;  
1088 
 
1089 
(f) The Department shall coordinate with Climate Change Commission (CCC), Philippine 
1090 
Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), and 
1091 
National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) for scientific studies, 
1092 
integrated surveys, mapping, charting, and decision support systems; 
1093 
 
1094 
(g) The Department shall coordinate with the Department of Tourism (DOT) on recreational use 
1095 
of water resources;  
1096 
 
1097 


 
 
                         
34 
 
(h) The Department shall coordinate with the Philippine Reclamation Authority and economic 
1098 
zone authorities on water resources development and water requirements within reclamation 
1099 
areas and economic zones, respectively; and  
1100 
 
1101 
(i) The Department shall coordinate with relevant government agencies, including local 
1102 
government units (LGUs), with respect to development projects and shall ensure cross-
1103 
cutting collaboration between and among all water subsectors and facilitate inter-agency 
1104 
subsector coordination, strategic development, planning, monitoring and provision of 
1105 
technical, institutional and financial capacity building support to their different stakeholders 
1106 
at the water subsector level.  
1107 
 
1108 
SEC. 16. National Water Sector Policy Board. – The National Water Sector Policy Board 
1109 
(NWSPB) shall be created and shall be headed by the Secretary of the Department of Water 
1110 
Resources with the Secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority as the Vice-
1111 
Chairperson, and the Secretaries of the      DOH,      DILG,      DOE,      DA, Department of  Social 
1112 
Welfare and Development       DPWH; Department of Budget and Management (DBM); Office of the 
1113 
President,  and DENR, and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples as members.  The 
1114 
Department shall provide personnel to serve as Secretariat to the Board. 
1115 
 
1116 
SEC. 17. Powers and Functions of the National Water Sector Policy Board – The NWSPB 
1117 
shall perform policymaking, coordination, integration, supervision, monitoring and evaluation 
1118 
functions, and shall have the following responsibilities: 
1119 
 
1120 
(a) Approve the NWRMP which shall serve as a principal guide to water management efforts in 
1121 
the country and shall be reviewed every five (5)-years interval, or as may be deemed 
1122 
necessary, in order to ensure its relevance to the times; 
1123 
(b) Provide overall policy direction and recommend policies on water resources requiring 
1124 
Presidential decision; 
1125 
(c) Advise the President on the status of water management and supply, recommend to the 
1126 
President the declaration of a state calamity in areas affected by water supply, and submit 
1127 
proposals to restore normalcy in the affected areas; 
1128 
(d) Ensure a multi-stakeholder participation in the development, updating, and sharing of 
1129 
information system as policy, planning and decision-making tools consistent with IWRM. 
1130 
SEC.18. Transfer of Rights and Obligations. – The Department shall, by virtue of this Act, be 
1131 


 
 
                         
35 
 
subrogated to all the rights and assume all the obligations of the government agencies and units 
1132 
whose powers and functions have been subsumed, absorbed, transferred or attached to the 
1133 
Department in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission on Audit, and the Civil 
1134 
Service Commission, and other applicable laws. The transfer of powers and functions as herein 
1135 
provided shall take effect within six (6) months of the effectivity of this Act. As such, all affected 
1136 
agencies, offices, units shall continue to function under their present mandates.  
1137 
 
1138 
CHAPTER IV 
1139 
WATER REGULATORY COMMISSION 
1140 
 
1141 
SEC.19. Water Regulatory Commission. – There is hereby created and established as an 
1142 
independent, quasi-judicial regulatory body to be known as the Water Regulatory Commission, 
1143 
hereinafter referred to as the Commission, which shall be organized within one hundred twenty (120) 
1144 
days after the effectivity of this Act.  
1145 
 
1146 
The Commission shall be placed under the administrative supervision of the Department as 
1147 
an attached agency. 
1148 
 
1149 
The Commission shall have a Board of Commissioners, and shall be vested with powers and 
1150 
functions, as conferred and set forth hereunder. 
1151 
 
1152 
SEC. 20.  The Regulatory Units. – The regulatory units of the Commission shall be composed 
1153 
of the central regulatory unit and the regional regulatory units.  
1154 
 
1155 
 The economic regulatory units and functions of the MWSS, NWRB, LWUA, SBMA, 
1156 
PEZA, and TIEZA are hereby transferred to the Commission, and shall collectively comprise its 
1157 
central regulatory unit for water supply and sanitation services that: (a) provide services to more 
1158 
than one province; and (b) are owned, operated and/or maintained by special economic zones and 
1159 
Metro Manila concessionaires. 
1160 
 
1161 
The regional regulatory units shall be established by the Commission in accordance with this 
1162 
Act and the rules, regulations, guidelines, and standards that the Commission shall issue. 
1163 
 
1164 
SEC. 21. Powers and Functions of the Commission. – The overall authority and powers of the 
1165 


 
 
                         
36 
 
Commission shall cover and apply to all service providers, whether private or public, providing or 
1166 
intending to provide levels II & III water supply, including suppliers to subdivisions and /or other 
1167 
service providers, sewerage, and/or septage treatment and disposal services for domestic, residential, 
1168 
institutional, industrial or commercial use. 
1169 
 
1170 
The Commission shall exercise the following powers and functions: 
1171 
 
1172 
1) Issue and promulgate rules, regulations and guidelines as may be necessary to implement 
1173 
and enforce its powers and functions under this Act; 
1174 
2) Promulgate and enforce just and reasonable technical standards, classifications and 
1175 
measurements of service; 
1176 
3) Establish rules and regulations to monitor, avoid, and provide remedies for any market 
1177 
power abuse or anti-competitive or discriminatory act or behavior by or against any 
1178 
participant in the water supply and sanitation sector.  Upon finding that a market 
1179 
participant has engaged in, or has fallen victim to such act or behavior, the Commission 
1180 
shall act to stop or redress the same.  Such remedies may, without limitation, include the 
1181 
imposition of price controls, issuance of injunctions, requirement of divestment or 
1182 
disgorgement of excess profits, invalidation of contracts and imposition of fines and 
1183 
penalties pursuant to this Act. 
1184 
4) Adopt and require that books, records, and accounts be kept and maintained in 
1185 
accordance with the prescribed uniform accounting system; 
1186 
5) Fix and determine proper and adequate rates of depreciation of properties and equipment 
1187 
used in water supply and sanitation services; 
1188 
6) Impose and collect annual levies determined as a percentage of gross revenue accruing in 
1189 
relation to the licensed activities, and reasonable fees and surcharges as may be necessary 
1190 
for achieving the purposes, powers and functions of the Commission; 
1191 
7) Require the submission reports of finances and operations, verified under oaths by the 
1192 
owner or president and secretary of the board of the licensee; 
1193 
8) Determine and require the monitoring and submission of such data, statistics and other 
1194 
information from the regulatory units and any or all licensees as may be necessary for the 
1195 
effective and efficient exercise of its duties, functions, powers and responsibilities. 
1196 
9) Investigate, motu propio or upon a written complaint, any matter concerning the 
1197 
operation of the service and issues on price manipulation and anti-competitive behavior;  
1198 
10) Impose penalties and fines against any licensee or against its owners, directors, officers, 
1199 


 
 
                         
37 
 
agents or representatives for any violation of this Act or of the license, order, rule 
1200 
regulation or requirement issued by the Commission;  
1201 
11) Require any licensee to pay the actual expenses incurred by the Commission in any 
1202 
investigation if it shall be found that a licensee violated any provision of this Act or of 
1203 
the license, order, rule regulation or requirement issued by the Commission; 
1204 
12) Advise, apprise and coordinate with other relevant agencies of the national or local 
1205 
government on any matter relating to water supply and sanitation services; 
1206 
13) Deputize agents, whether from the public or private sector, to assist in the performance of 
1207 
any of the powers and functions of the Commission; 
1208 
14) Appoint an interim or temporary management committee upon appeal and after due 
1209 
hearing, to ensure continuity of service in case a licensee fails to meet conditions of the 
1210 
license and the concerned Regulatory Unit fails or refuses to appoint an interim 
1211 
management committee as provided in the following section. 
1212 
15) Appoint, hire and maintain adequate staff and personnel, advisers, or consultants, with 
1213 
suitable qualifications and experience, as necessary; 
1214 
16) Exercise original and exclusive jurisdiction over all cases contesting rates, fees, fines and 
1215 
penalties imposed by the regulatory units in the exercise of their powers, functions and 
1216 
responsibilities, as provided under this Act, and over all cases involving disputes between 
1217 
and among participants or stakeholders in the water supply and sanitation services; and 
1218 
17) Such other incidental powers and functions as may be necessary to attain the objectives 
1219 
of this Act.  
1220 
 
1221 
SEC. 22. Powers and Functions of the Regulatory Units. – The regulatory units of the 
1222 
Commission shall have the following powers and functions: 
1223 
 
1224 
a) Issue licenses authorizing the operation of water supply and sanitation services in any 
1225 
specified area or areas within the Philippines. 
1226 
b) Impose fines, charges and other penalties upon any provider and/or its officers and 
1227 
stockholders who shall fail or refuse to register or obtain a license prior to operation or 
1228 
commencement of business, as provided hereunder. 
1229 
c) Review, determine, fix, and approve, consistent with the rules, guidelines, procedures and 
1230 
methodologies which the Commission shall provide, proposed water and sewerage and 
1231 
septage management tariffs, rates and charges that licensees may impose upon their 
1232 
consumers;  
1233 


 
 
                         
38 
 
d) Appraise and value property and equipment used by licensees in providing water supply 
1234 
and sanitation services. 
1235 
e) Enforce technical, financial, and other performance standards set by the Commission for 
1236 
licensees or utilities; 
1237 
f) 
Respond to consumer complaints and ensure the adequate promotion of consumer 
1238 
interests and investigate motu propio price manipulation and anti-competitive behavior; 
1239 
g) Investigate accidents directly or indirectly arising from or connected with the 
1240 
maintenance or operation of the service, and make such order or recommendation as the 
1241 
public interest may warrant; 
1242 
h) Require the review and/or approval of contracts or agreements that may impact on the 
1243 
tariff and rates of service provision entered into by service providers upon petition or 
1244 
motu propio where in its determination public interest so dictates; 
1245 
i) 
Require the submission of reports, plans, and other documents that define the 
1246 
performance targets of the licensees or utilities, and regular accomplishment reports; 
1247 
j) 
Impose and collect annual levies determined as a percentage of gross revenue accruing              
1248 
in relation to the licensed activities, and reasonable fees and surcharges as may be 
1249 
necessary for achieving the purposes, powers, and functions of the regulator; 
1250 
k) Conduct benchmarking and monitor the performance of licensees or utilities under their 
1251 
jurisdiction, and publish reports detailing the results thereof, as may be necessary                  
1252 
or required by the Commission; 
1253 
l) 
Amend, modify, suspend, or revoke any license issued by them, after due notice and 
1254 
hearing, on any of the following grounds: 
1255 
1) when the facts and circumstances on the strength of which the license was issued have 
1256 
been materially misrepresented or have materially changed;  
1257 
2) where the licensee has failed to meet or comply with terms, conditions, and 
1258 
performance targets, including but not limited to service expansion, that may have 
1259 
been set in the license; 
1260 
3) where the licensee is found to be manifestly inefficient in the operation of or provision 
1261 
of water supply and sanitation services in its area; or 
1262 
4) when the licensee thereof has violated or willfully refused to comply with any order, 
1263 
rule or regulation of the Commission or any provision of this Act; 
1264 
 
1265 
m) Appoint an interim management committee to ensure continuity of service in case a licensee 
1266 
fails to meet the conditions of the license; and 
1267 


 
 
                         
39 
 
n) Submit performance plans and reports as required by the Commission. 
1268 
 
1269 
SEC. 23. Composition of the Water Regulatory Commission. –  
1270 
 
1271 
a) The Commission shall be a collegial body composed of five (5) full-time members 
1272 
consisting of a Chairperson and four (4) members, who shall all be appointed by the 
1273 
President of the Philippines. All members of the Commission must be citizens and residents 
1274 
of the Philippines, at least thirty five (35) years of age, and of good moral character, of 
1275 
recognized integrity and competence in the field of law, business, commerce, finance, 
1276 
accounting or public administration, water or utility economics, management, physical or 
1277 
engineering services, hydrology and other related services, with at least three (3) years of 
1278 
actual and distinguished experience in their respective fields of expertise: Provided, That out 
1279 
of the four (4) members of the Commission,  at least one (1) shall be a member of the 
1280 
Philippine Bar with at least ten (10) years of experience in the active practice of law, and at 
1281 
least one (1) shall be a certified public accountant with at least ten (10) years of experience 
1282 
in active practice. 
1283 
 
1284 
b) The term of office of each member of the Commission shall be seven (7) years: Provided, 
1285 
That among the members first appointed, the Chairperson shall serve for a period of seven 
1286 
(7) years, two (2) members shall serve for  five (5) years and the other two (2) members shall 
1287 
serve for three (3) years: Provided further, That any member whose term has expired as 
1288 
specified herein shall serve as such until a successor shall have been appointed and qualified: 
1289 
Provided furthermore, That any appointment to fill a vacancy in the Commission arising 
1290 
from death, removal, retirement or resignation shall be made only for the unexpired term: 
1291 
Provided, finally, That in no case shall any member serve for more than seven (7) years in 
1292 
the Commission.  
1293 
 
1294 
c) The Commission shall meet as often as may be necessary on such day or days as the 
1295 
Chairperson may fix. The presence of at least three (3) members of the Commission shall 
1296 
constitute a quorum, which shall be necessary for the transaction of any business. The 
1297 
affirmative vote of majority of the members of the Commission where a quorum is present 
1298 
shall be necessary for the adoption of any order, resolution, decisions, or other act of the 
1299 
Commission in the exercise of its quasi-judicial functions: Provided, That in promulgating 
1300 


 
 
                         
40 
 
rules, regulations, guidelines and in exercising its quasi-legislative functions, an affirmative 
1301 
vote of three (3) members shall be required.  
1302 
 
1303 
d) The Chairperson of the Commission shall exercise general executive control and supervision 
1304 
over the Commission and its members, staff and personnel, agents and representatives. 
1305 
Within three (3) months from the creation of the Commission and the appointment of all 
1306 
Members of the Commission, the Chairperson shall determine and establish the 
1307 
organizational structure and plantilla positions necessary to carry out the powers and 
1308 
functions of the Commission, including those of the central and provincial regulatory units 
1309 
subject to the review and approval of the DBM.  
1310 
 
1311 
The plantilla positions of the Commission shall be filled by regular appointments in 
1312 
accordance with Civil Service laws, rules, and regulations.  Members of the Commission 
1313 
shall enjoy security of tenure and shall not be suspended or removed from office except for 
1314 
just cause as specified by law. 
1315 
 
1316 
e) The Chairperson and members of the Commission or any of their relatives within the fourth 
1317 
civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, legitimate or common law, shall be prohibited from 
1318 
holding any interest whatsoever, either as investor, stockholder, officer or director, in any 
1319 
company or entity engaged in provision of water supply and distribution, septage 
1320 
management and sewerage services and must, therefore, divest through sale or legal 
1321 
disposition of any and all interests in the water sector upon assumption to office. 
1322 
 
1323 
SEC. 24. Secretariat of the Commission. – The Commission shall establish a Secretariat 
1324 
which shall provide the Commission with technical and support services including the following:  
1325 
 
1326 
a) Provide the necessary technical inputs and secretariat support to the Commission to 
1327 
facilitate the conduct of its functions;  
1328 
b) Coordinate with Regulatory Units to ensure proper implementation of the rules, 
1329 
regulations and guidelines promulgated by the Commission; 
1330 
c) Monitor and assess activities of the Regulatory Units vis-à-vis their respective annual 
1331 
performance plans and targets; 
1332 
d) Maintain a database on the water supply and sanitation subsector; and  
1333 


 
 
                         
41 
 
e) Coordinate with other relevant agencies of the national or local government on any matter 
1334 
relating to water supply and sanitation. 
1335 
 
1336 
SEC. 25. Executive Director. – The Commission shall appoint an Executive Director who 
1337 
shall head the Commission Secretariat, keep and maintain the official records of the Commission, 
1338 
render a report on the proceedings of the Commission, and administer oaths in all matters falling 
1339 
within the jurisdiction of the Commission.  
1340 
 
1341 
The Executive Director shall be responsible for the effective implementation of the policies, 
1342 
plans, programs, rules, regulations and directives of the Commission; coordinate and supervise the 
1343 
activities of the different operating units under the Commission; and perform such functions as may 
1344 
be assigned by the Chairperson and/or other members of the Commission. 
1345 
 
 
1346 
SEC. 26. Compensation and Other Emoluments. – The compensation of the members of the 
1347 
Commission and its staff shall conform to provisions of Republic Act No. 6758 as amended, 
1348 
otherwise known as the Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989. 
1349 
 
1350 
CHAPTER V 
1351 
REGISTRATION AND LICENSING 
1352 
 
1353 
SEC. 27. Registration and Licensing of All Water Supply and Sanitation Services. – All water 
1354 
supply and sanitation service providers, including bulk water suppliers and those providing services 
1355 
to subdivisions and other service providers, shall register with the Commission and, subject to such 
1356 
rules, guidelines, procedures and other issuances of the Commission, obtain a license to operate from 
1357 
the appropriate regulatory units. 
1358 
 
1359 
The Commission shall ensure that the grant and revocation of licenses are carried out fairly, 
1360 
transparently, and without discrimination. Issuances of the Commission shall specify, among others, 
1361 
the qualifications, requirements, and procedure for the grant and revocation of licenses including the 
1362 
standards and performance targets that shall continuously be complied with to keep the licenses 
1363 
valid. 
1364 
 
1365 
Unless otherwise provided in this Act or by the Commission, no public water supply and 
1366 
sanitation service provider shall commence or conduct the business of providing water supply and 
1367 


 
 
                         
42 
 
sanitation services without first obtaining a license. 
1368 
 
1369 
Concession agreements and other contracts for water supply provision and water sanitation 
1370 
and treatment services currently existing shall remain valid and enforceable unless otherwise 
1371 
terminated, after due notice and hearing for reasons provided in the existing terms and conditions 
1372 
under the concession or service agreement or contract, or when invalidated by the Commission, after 
1373 
due notice and hearing, where national security, national emergency or public interest so dictates. 
1374 
 
1375 
SEC 28.  Conditions of License. – The Commission or the concerned regulatory unit, may 
1376 
impose such conditions on the licensee as it may deem necessary, such as: 
1377 
 
1378 
a) Tariffs, rates and charges that may be imposed from its customers or consumers. 
1379 
b) Term fixing the duration of the privilege.  
1380 
c) Grounds for modification, suspension or cancellation of the License. 
1381 
d) Minimum technical performance and service level standards. 
1382 
e) Expansion targets and service level improvements over time. 
1383 
f) Restrictions or conditions for transferability of the business or controlling interest in the 
1384 
business. 
1385 
g) Reportorial requirements and obligations of the grantee. 
1386 
h) Submission to annual performance audit by the Commission or its duly authorized 
1387 
representative(s). 
1388 
 
1389 
The Commission shall specify the requirements and procedure for existing holders of A 
1390 
Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC), Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) 
1391 
issued by NWRB, or Certificate of Conformance (CoC) issued by LWUA, to convert their existing 
1392 
certificates into licenses to operate in accordance with Sec. 27 herein. 
1393 
 
1394 
All existing providers of water supply and sanitation services without a legal and valid 
1395 
Certificate of Public Convenience, Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, or Certificate of 
1396 
Conformance shall register with the Commission and apply for a license within six (6) months from 
1397 
the effectivity of this Act. 
1398 
 
1399 
SEC. 29. Rights and Duties of Licensees. – 
1400 


 
 
                         
43 
 
a) Any person granted a license under this Act shall have the obligation to ensure that 
1401 
licensed activities are conducted to further public interest and, in particular: 
1402 
 
1403 
1) 
Foster the maintenance and development of efficient, coordinated, and viable 
1404 
operation of their licensed activities; 
1405 
2) 
Ensure that their water supply and sanitation services are provided in a diligent, 
1406 
conscientious and workman like manner, in accordance with applicable laws rules and 
1407 
regulations issued by the Commission and the generally accepted standards and 
1408 
practices of the water supply and sanitation industry; and 
1409 
3) 
Comply with drinking water quality requirements and standards that may be 
1410 
established by the Commission. 
1411 
 
1412 
b) Any person granted a license under this Act shall, to the extent allowed by law and 
1413 
specified in the license, has the right to acquire or lease land, lay or repair water or 
1414 
sanitation main lines and other relevant facilities in public ways to fulfill the terms and 
1415 
conditions under the license. 
1416 
 
1417 
c) Subject to any condition or limitation laid down in the license, a licensee may 
1418 
discontinue water supply and sanitation services to a customer if such customer defaults 
1419 
in the payment of fees due to the licensee for the water supplied or sanitation services 
1420 
provided, or for acts of pilferage pursuant to Sections 8, 9, 10, and 11 of Republic Act 
1421 
No. 8041, otherwise known as the Water Crisis Act of 1995. 
1422 
 
1423 
d) Any license issued under this Act shall contain provisions designed to ensure that licensees: 
1424 
 
1425 
i. Publish the Tariff and other charges approved by and the terms and conditions imposed by 
1426 
the Commission for the provision of water supply and sanitation services. 
1427 
ii. Prepare, within three (3) months from the issuance of a license, in consultation with its 
1428 
customers, a Customer Service Code specifying the manner and procedure for: (a) 
1429 
metering, billing, and collection of the licensee’s approved tariff and other charges, (b) 
1430 
disconnection or suspension of service in case of non-payment of tariffs and/or other 
1431 
charges, or acts of pilferage, and (c) recommendation and recovery of arrears in tariffs 
1432 
and other charges; and  
1433 
iii. Maintain financial accounts in accordance with the manner and procedure specified in the 
1434 


 
 
                         
44 
 
license and as may be required by the Commission. 
1435 
iv. Maintain and upon request by anyone during regular office hours, promptly make 
1436 
available for scrutiny and inspection such data, statistics and other information, as may be 
1437 
required by the Commission. 
1438 
 
1439 
SEC. 30. Setting Tariffs, Rates, and Other Charges. – Regulatory units shall establish tariffs, 
1440 
rates and other charges which are fair and reasonable, and ensure economic viability and a fair return 
1441 
on investments. 
1442 
 
1443 
Tariffs, rates and charges shall be based on and consistent with a rate-setting methodology 
1444 
that the Commission shall, after due consultation, define and publish, taking into account the 
1445 
following, among others: 
1446 
 
1447 
b) Reasonable and prudent capital and recurrent costs of providing the service including a 
1448 
reasonable rate of return on capital;  
1449 
c) Efficiency of the service;  
1450 
d) Incentives for enhancement of efficiency;  
1451 
e) Willingness to pay of the customers/consumers;  
1452 
f) Equity considerations; and  
1453 
g) Administrative simplicity. 
1454 
 
1455 
Tariffs, rates, and charges set by the regulatory units shall be presumed valid and reasonable 
1456 
unless a protest or contest is filed with the Commission. 
1457 
 
1458 
 
SEC.31. Direct Access. - Fifty-one (51) percent of the registered water consumers in a 
1459 
municipality, city or province may petition for direct access to water from any water service provider 
1460 
subject to concurrence by the service provider and approval by the Commission. The Commission 
1461 
shall promulgate rules and procedures for this mode of service. 
1462 
 
1463 
SEC. 32. Innovative Schemes to Improve Efficiency and Management of Systems. - The 
1464 
Commission shall promote innovative schemes such as the consolidation or integration of water 
1465 
supply and sanitation services, or providers in the same service area, where it shall result in improved 
1466 
efficiency, service expansion and lower costs. 
1467 
 
1468 


 
 
                         
45 
 
To this end, the Commission shall establish and issue such rules and guidelines as may be 
1469 
necessary to (a) create incentives to encourage efficiency and service expansion; (b) establish the 
1470 
standards and targets that service providers are required to meet; and (c) define the fines and 
1471 
penalties that shall be imposed for failure to meet such standards and targets. 
1472 
 
1473 
CHAPTER VI 
1474 
QUASI-JUDICIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION 
1475 
 
1476 
SEC. 33. Proceedings Before the Commission. – For the purpose of any investigation, inquiry 
1477 
or proceeding, the Commission shall: 
1478 
 
1479 
a) Issue subpoena duces tecum and subpoena ad testificandum; 
1480 
b) Appoint hearing officers to hear and receive evidence on behalf of the Commission;  
1481 
c) Cite any person or party for contempt for refusal to appear, testify, or comply with an 
1482 
order of the Commission on any matter that is the subject of investigation, inquiry or 
1483 
proceeding before the Commission. 
1484 
 
1485 
SEC. 34. Orders and Decisions of the Commission. – Any order, resolution, or decisions of 
1486 
the Commission shall be promulgated promptly, expeditiously, reasonably, and in writing, and shall 
1487 
state clearly and distinctly the facts and law on which it is based. 
1488 
 
1489 
The Commission shall publish and make available for public inspection, all decisions and 
1490 
final orders in the adjudication of contested cases or applications. 
1491 
 
1492 
SEC. 35. Appeals Procedure and Prohibition Against Injunction. –   
1493 
 
1494 
a) The orders, rulings, and decisions of the Commission are final and executory unless 
1495 
appealed to the Court of Appeals within fifteen (15) days from receipt of notice of such 
1496 
order, ruling or decision: Provided, That orders, rulings, and decisions of the Commission 
1497 
approving tariffs, shall be immediately executory and may be suspended only upon appeal 
1498 
and filing of a bond, in an amount to be fixed by the Commission, to answer for damages 
1499 
occasioned by the suspension or stay of execution of such orders, rulings, and decisions. 
1500 
b) No injunction may be issued by any court or administrative agency to restrain any 
1501 
proceeding before, or the implementation or execution of any order, ruling, or decision of 
1502 


 
 
                         
46 
 
the Commission, except on the basis of a question of law brought before the Supreme 
1503 
Court on certiorari.  
1504 
c) Any act or decision of the Commission shall not be invalidated merely because of a defect 
1505 
or irregularity in, or in connection with, the appointment or vacancy in the Office of the 
1506 
Chairperson or any other member of the Commission. 
1507 
 
1508 
CHAPTER VII 
1509 
INTERDEPARTMENTAL RELATIONS OF THE COMMISSION 
1510 
 
1511 
SEC. 36. Interface with Other Sector Regulators. – 
1512 
 
1513 
a) The DENR shall continue to exercise primary jurisdiction over programs aimed at  
1514 
protecting the environment and the quality of water sources from waste and pollution, and 
1515 
shall promulgate rules, regulations, and standards in this regard. The Department of Health 
1516 
(DOH) shall continue to exercise primary jurisdiction over the determination and 
1517 
enforcement of standards for quality drinking water and sanitation.  
1518 
 
1519 
b) The Commission shall coordinate with the: 
1520 
1. DOH to ensure that the standards and targets for quality drinking water 
1521 
2. and sanitation are consistently complied with; 
1522 
3. LGUs for development projects relating to water supply and sanitation; and  
1523 
4. Department of Public Works and Highways for flood control and harnessing and 
1524 
impounding of water. 
1525 
 
1526 
SEC. 37. Transfer of Rights and Obligations. – The Commission shall, by virtue of this Act, 
1527 
be subrogated to all the rights, and assume all the obligations, of the Water Utilities Division of the 
1528 
NWRB, the regulatory offices of MWSS and LWUA, the regulatory units of all special economic 
1529 
zones, and all other government agencies and units whose powers and functions have been 
1530 
transferred to the Commission. 
1531 
 
1532 
     The transfer of powers and functions to the Department of the concerned agencies as 
1533 
herein provided for, shall be deemed completed within six (6) months after the effectivity of this Act. 
1534 
The transfer of powers and functions shall include all applicable funds, personnel, records, property 
1535 
and equipment, as may be necessary. The same shall apply to agencies which have been attached to 
1536 


 
 
                         
47 
 
the Department by virtue of this Act. 
1537 
 
1538 
All agencies transferred, subsumed and attached to the Department, shall continue to function 
1539 
under their present mandates until the six-month transition period mandated under this Act shall have 
1540 
lapsed. The heads of the affected agencies shall continue to serve until replaced. 
1541 
 
1542 
All rights and obligations of the affected agencies are hereby transferred to and assumed by 
1543 
the Commission, and shall be acted upon in accordance with the rules and regulations of the 
1544 
Commission on Audit and other pertinent laws, rules, and regulations. 
1545 
 
1546 
SEC. 38. Absorption or Separation from Service of Employees of the Subrogated Agencies. – 
1547 
The current employees of the Water Utilities Division of the NWRB, the regulatory offices of MWSS 
1548 
and LWUA, the regulatory units of all special economic zones, and all other government agencies 
1549 
and units whose powers and functions have been transferred to the Commission shall enjoy security 
1550 
of tenure, and shall be absorbed by the Department, in accordance with their staffing pattern and the 
1551 
selection process as prescribed under Republic Act No. 6656 or the Government Reorganization 
1552 
Law. 
1553 
 
1554 
Employees opting to be separated from the service as a consequence of the consolidation, and 
1555 
reconstitution under the provisions of this Act shall, within one (1) month from their separation or 
1556 
phase out from the service, receive separation benefits in accordance with existing laws, and those 
1557 
who are qualified to retire shall be allowed to retire and be entitled to all benefits under existing 
1558 
retirement laws. 
1559 
 
1560 
SEC. 39. Water Trust Fund. – There is hereby created a Water Trust Fund in the Bureau of 
1561 
Treasury. All non-tax revenues, including raw water pricing, permit fees, registration fees, 
1562 
supervision and regulation enforcement fees, filing fees, testing fees, and other service income from 
1563 
the use of water resources shall be remitted to the Water Trust Fund. The trust fund shall be 
1564 
accounted separately from the government’s general revenues and shall be automatically 
1565 
appropriated to the Department.  Proceeds from the trust fund shall be utilized for water 
1566 
development, water sanitation and waste water treatment and management, and water sustainability 
1567 
programs and projects authorized under this Act:  Provided, that a maximum of ten percent (10%) of 
1568 
the total income generated from raw water extraction shall be given as share of the concerned local 
1569 
government unit or indigenous peoples (IP) community who own the specific areas or land where the 
1570 


 
 
                         
48 
 
raw water was sourced. 
1571 
 
1572 
CHAPTER VIII 
1573 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
1574 
 
1575 
 
Sec. 40. Applicability of Ease of Doing Business Law. – The prescribed processing time 
1576 
provided under Section 9.b of Republic Act No. 11032, otherwise known as the Ease of Doing 
1577 
Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, shall be applicable to all agencies 
1578 
and LGUs covered under this Act particularly on accessing government services. 
1579 
 
1580 
Sec. 41. Transitory Provisions. – Performance audit of all water-related agencies and 
1581 
institutions, including LWUA and water districts, MWSS, MWSS-RO and its concessionaires, LGU-
1582 
run utilities, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, Philippine Economic Zone 
1583 
Authority, Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, DILG, 
1584 
and NIA, shall be conducted by the Department. 
1585 
 
1586 
SEC. 42. Appropriations – The amount necessary to cover the initial implementation of this 
1587 
Act shall be charged against the currents year’s appropriations of the agencies and offices transferred 
1588 
and subsumed by the Department and the Commission in the General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, 
1589 
such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of the Act shall be included in the 
1590 
annual GAA. 
1591 
 
1592 
SEC. 43. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within one hundred eighty (180) days from 
1593 
the effectivity of this Act, the Department, NEDA, DBM, DENR, CSC, in consultation with 
1594 
concerned government agencies, the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office shall promulgate rules 
1595 
and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.   
1596 
 
1597 
SEC. 44. Separability Clause. – If any reason, any portion or provision of this Act shall be 
1598 
held unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in 
1599 
full force and effect. 
1600 
 
1601 
 SEC. 45. Repealing Clause. – (a) The following provisions are hereby repealed: 
1602 
1)  Section 3 (h) and Section 12 on the provision with respect to fixing of water rates and 
1603 
sanitation service fees, Section 3 (n) on the provision with respect to regulation of waterworks and 
1604 


 
 
                         
49 
 
deep wells, and Section 3 (p) on the provision with respect to regulation of waterworks and sanitation 
1605 
systems in privately owned subdivisions of Republic Act 6234 entitled, An Act Creating The 
1606 
Metropolitan Waterworks And Sewerage System And Dissolving The National Waterworks And 
1607 
Sewerage Authority, And For Other Purposes, as amended. 
1608 
 
1609 
2) Title III on Local Water Utilities Administration Law of Presidential Decree No. 198 
1610 
otherwise known as the Provincial Water Utilities Act of 1973, as amended by Letter of Instruction 
1611 
No. 700 - Providing Measures To Control And Regulate Increase In Water Rates, Letter of 
1612 
Instruction No. 744 - Relative To Reliable Water Supply At Reasonable Rates In The Countryside on 
1613 
the, Executive Order No. 124, 30 January 1987 -  Reorganization Act of the Ministry of Public Works 
1614 
and Highways, Executive Order No. 123, 30 January 1987 -  Reorganization Act of Ministry of Social 
1615 
Services and Development. 
1616 
 
1617 
3)  Republic Act No. 3601 as amended by Presidential Decree No. 552 and Presidential 
1618 
Decree No. 1702 pertaining to the creation of the National Irrigation Administration; 
1619 
 
1620 
4) Section 1 of Executive Order No. 124-A S. 1987 Amending Executive Order No. 124, 
1621 
dated 30 January 1987, Reorganizing the Department of Public Works and Highways, Redefining Its 
1622 
Powers and Functions, and For Other Purposes on renaming and reorganizing the National Water 
1623 
Resources Council into the National Water Resources Board. 
1624 
 
1625 
(b) The following provisions are hereby amended accordingly: 
1626 
 
1627 
1) Section 3 paragraph 3 Commonwealth Act No. 146, as amended, otherwise known as the 
1628 
Public Service Act pertaining to all cases involving the fixing of rates;   
1629 
2) Section 154, Article V, Chapter I, Title One, Book II of Republic Act No. 7160, as 
1630 
amended, otherwise known as the “Local Government Code of 1991”, and its implementing rules 
1631 
and regulations on the power of the local government units to fix the rates of water utilities owned, 
1632 
operated and maintained by them within their jurisdiction is hereby repealed or modified 
1633 
accordingly.  
1634 
3) Section 13 (b) on the regulation of enterprises within the Economic Zone under Republic 
1635 
Act No. 7916 as amended, otherwise known as “The Special Economic Zone Act of 1995”; 
1636 
4) Section 69 of Republic Act No. 9593 otherwise known as “The Tourism Act of 2009” and 
1637 
its implementing rules and regulations which mandate the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise 
1638 


 
 
                         
50 
 
Zone Authority to grant franchises, supervise the operation of public utilities, and register, monitor 
1639 
and regulate enterprises within Tourism Enterprise Zones, are hereby repealed or modified 
1640 
accordingly; 
1641 
5) Sections 7 and 8 on the adjudication of water pollution cases under Republic Act No. 3931 
1642 
entitled, An Act Creating The National Water And Air Pollution Control Commission, particularly 
1643 
with respect to Section 6 letters e, f, g, j, k Presidential Decree 984 entitled, Providing for the 
1644 
Revision of Republic Act No. 3931, Commonly Known as the Pollution Control Law, and For Other 
1645 
Purposes;     
1646 
6) Sections 4(1) and 7 of Republic Act No. 9275, otherwise known as the “Philippine Clean 
1647 
Water Act of 2004”; 
1648 
7) Articles 3(d) and 79 of Presidential Decree No. 1067, otherwise known as The Water Code 
1649 
of the Philippines; 
1650 
8) Sections 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13, Chapter II of Presidential Decree No. 856, otherwise known 
1651 
as the “Code on Sanitation of the Philippines”; and 
1652 
9)  Section 3.2 (b) of Executive Order No. 149 Series of 1993 transferring the Laguna Lake 
1653 
Development Authority from the Office of the President to the Department of Environment and 
1654 
Natural Resources. 
1655 
 
1656 
All other laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, presidential proclamations, rules and 
1657 
regulations, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
1658 
repealed or amended accordingly. 
1659 
 
1660 
SEC. 46. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
1661 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
1662 
 
1663 
Approved. 
1664 
 
1665