THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session 
SENATE 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
P.D. NO. 401, in addition to the provisions of P.D. No. 1017, otherwise 
known as “The water Code of the Philippines”, are the only laws in connection 
with water use, consumption and distribution. The former penalizes such acts as 
the unauthorized installation of water connections, the tampering of meters and 
the use of tampered meters. But this law has not been effectively implemented 
inspite of the growing number of violations in connection therewith, hence, the 
need to impose heavier penalties to stop or at least minimize these acts or 
violations. 
In relation to these rampant illegal installations and tamperings, there also 
exists the need to regulate the use of water generators to maintain an equitable 
or proportionate distribution of mater to consumers. For the same reason, there 
also arises the exigency of regulating the installation of water tanks beneath 
mainline water pipe. 
Hence, the immediate need for putting an end to these nefarious activities 
as to deprive lawful users of water supply, jeopardize the effective administration 
of water distribution and are inimical to public interest. 
MANNyv’LT 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session 
SENATE 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
AN ACT 
AMENDING P.D. 401 SO AS TO PROVIDE FOR STIFFER PENALTIES FOR 
UNAUTHORIZED WATER INSTALLATIONS OR CONNECTIONS, THE 
TAMPERING OF METERS, AND THE USE OF TAMPERED METERS, 
REGULATING THE USE OF WATER GENERATORS AND THE 
INSTALLATION OF WATER TANKS BENEATH MAINLINE WATER PIPES 
AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF 
ti" 
Ben enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Policy- It is the policy of the Staet to supervise and regulate 
the use, operation, consumption and distribution of property or resources which 
affect public interest. Pursuant to this, the state shall provide adequate water 
supply to consumers and supervise and regulate water use, consumption and 
distribution. 
SECTION 2. Amendment.- Section 2 of P.D. No. 401-a is hereby 
amended to read as follows: 


telephone wires, or piped gas pipes and conduits, shall, upon 
conviction, be punished with (prision correccional) PRlSlON 
MAYOR in its minimum period or a fine ranging from two (TEN) 
thousand to six (TWENTY) thousand pesos, or both. 
"If the violation is committed by, or with the connivance of an 
officer or employee of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage 
System, or the Manila Electric Company, or the Philippine Long 
Distance Telephone company, or the Manila Gas Corporation, such 
officer or employee shall, upon conviction, be punished with (a 
penalty one degree higher than the penalty provided herein) 
PRlSlON MAYOR IN ITS MAXIMUM PERIOD), and forthwith be 
dismissed and perpetually disqualified from employment in any 
public or private utility or service company. 
THE FOLLOWING ACTS ARE ALSO PROHIBITED: 
1. ANY PERSON WHO 'INSTALLS OR USES WATER 
GEERATORS, WITHOUT AUTHORITY FROM THE MWSS, 
SHALL SUFFER A PENALTY OF PRlSlON CORRECTIONAL OR 
A FINE OF P10,OOO.OO; AND 
2. ANY PERSON WHO INSTALLS, PERMITS OR CAUSES 
TO BE INSTALLED A WATER TANK BENEATH MAINLINE 
WATER PIPES, SHALL SUFFER THE PENALTY OF PRlSlON 
CORRECTIONAL OR A FINE OF P10,OOO.OO. 
SECTION 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations.- The appropriate 
government agency shall issue and publish the necessary rules and regulations 
to implement the provisions of this Act. 
SECTION 4. Repealing Clause.- All laws, rules and regulations which are 
inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act, are hereby amended or 
repealed accordingly. 
SECTION 5. Separability Clause.- If any of the provisions of this Act is 
declared invalid, the remainder thereof not affected thereby shall continue to be 
in full force and effect. 
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,