EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S.B. No.
SENATE
387
RECEI . cD ;
INTRODUCED BY: SENATOR EMMANUEL D. PACQUIAO
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t'- ol I ir 
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*19 
JULll 
P3 53
AN ACT
CREATING THE PASIG RIVER REHABILITATION AND DEVELOPMENT 
AUTHORITY, PRESCRIBING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Pasig River has been used as a major source of transportation, water, food, and 
livelihood since time immemorial. However, it was declared biologically dead in the 1990s 
due to persistent pollution. The DENR reported that 85 percent of the household, industrial and 
commercial establishments in the National Capital Region (NCR) contributes to the pollution 
of water bodies in Metro Manila, including the Pasig River.
Efforts were made to restore the pristine condition of the Pasig River such as the 
creation of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC). PRRC aims to transform the 
Pasig River and its environs into a showcase of a new quality of urban life and restore the river 
water quality to Class "C" level. However, PRRC has no strong mandate with only a limited 
budget because it was created as a mere coordinating body. The task of clearing waterways, a 
flood-prevention action, is the job of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority 
(MMDA). The removal of illegal structures along waterways and the clearing of easement of 
rivers and creeks fall within the mandate and jurisdiction of the Department of Public Works 
and Highways (DPWH).
The purpose of this bill is to create the Pasig River Rehabilitation and Development 
Authority to have a single lead government agency vested with adequate authority and powers 
to implement and enforce the pertinent provisions of all existing environmental laws, and 
coordinate the plans, programs and activities of various agencies and LGUs to ensure the 
sustainable development of the Pasig River System.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earn
EMMANUEL 1). PACQUIAO


EIGHTEEN Til CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
(Dil i • n :"r •;
*19 
JULll 
P3 53
SENATE 
S.B. No. 
3 8 7
RECEIVED u
INTRODUCED BY: SENATOR EMMANUEL D. PACQUIAO
AN ACT
CREATING THE PASIG RIV ER REHABILITAHON AND DEVELOPMENT 
AUTHOIHTY, PlH:SCmBlNG ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS AND 
APPROPIHATING FUNDS THEREFOR
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Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
SECTION. 1. Short Title - This Act shall be known as thePasig River Development Act."
SEC. 2. Declaration of Principles and Policies- It is the policy of the State to protect and 
advance the right of the people to a balanced aaid healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm 
and harmony of nations. Towards this end, the State shall pursue a policy of sustainable 
economic growth in a manner consistent with the protection, preservation and revival of the 
quality of our river system.
Recognizing the importance and the strong influence of the Pasig River in the socio­
economic growth of the areas around I, the State shall pursue a sound, sustainable and 
balanced development and utilization of the Pasig River with due regard for environmental 
management and control to preserve its ecological system and implement an integrated and 
coordinated approach for its sustainable utilization and rehabilitation.
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms - As used in this Act:
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a.) Discharge includes the act of spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying,
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releasing, or dumping of any material into a water body onto land from which it might
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flow or drain into the water;


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b. ) Effluent refers to discharge from known sources, which is passed into a body of water
or land or wastewater flowing out of a manufacturing plant, industrial plant and 
domestic household including commercial and recreational facilities;
c. ) Effluent standard refers to any legal restriction or limitation on quantities, rates or
concentrations or any combination tliereof, of physical, chemical ot biological 
parameters of effluent which a person or point source is allowed to discharge into a 
body of water or land;
d. ) Geographic Information System (GIS) Mapping refers to computerized data
management system to capture, store, manage, retrieve, analyze, and display spatial 
information in which data are geo-referenced to the coordinates of a particular 
projection system which allows precise placement of features on the earth’s surface 
and maintains the spatial relationships between mapped features such as slope, soils, 
hydrography, bathymetry, demography, wetlands and land use which can be 
combined to develop maps suitable for regulatory and planning decisions;
e. ) Hazardous waste refers to solid or combination of solid waste which because of its
quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical or infectious characteristic may cause 
or significantly contribute to an increased in mortality or an increase in serious 
irreversible, or incapacitating reversible illness, or pose a substantial present ot 
potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, 
transported or disposed of or otherwise managed;
f. ) Integrated Water Quantity Management Framework refers to the poliey guideline
integrating all existing frameworks prepaied by government agencies which contain 
the water quality goals and targets, period of compliance, water pollution control 
strategies and techniques, water quality information and education program and 
human resources development program including the training of local government 
personnel at the barangay level;
g. ) Land swapping refers to the process of land acquisition by exchanging land for
another piece of land equal value or for shares of stock in a government or quasi- 
government corporation whose book value is of equal value to the land being 
exchanged, for the purpose of planned and rational development such as provision for 
waste water treatment facilities and socialized housing where land values are 
determined based on land classification, market value and assessed value taken from 
existing tax declarations and wherein valuable lands owned by private persons may be 
exchanged, for the purpose of planned and rational development such as provisions 
for waste water treatment facilities and socialized housing where land values are 
determined based on land classification, market value and assessed value taken from 
existing tax declarations and w'herein valuable lands owned by private persons may be 
exchanged with less valuable lands;


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h. ) On site or near-site development refers to the process of upgrading and rehabilitation
of blighted and slum urban areas with a view of minimizing displacement of dwellers 
in the areas and providing resettlement areas with provisions for basic services;
i. ) Urban renewal areas (URAs) refers to the lands or communities beyond the three (3)
to ten (10) meter environmental preservation areas which shall be prioritized for the 
provision of basic social and health services such as unproved water supply, 
sanitation, centralized and decentralized sewerage and sewage catchment structures 
and other essential infrastructure; and
j. ) Water quality guidelines refers to the level for a water constituent or numerical values
of Physical, chemical, biological and bacteriological or radiological parameters which 
are used to classify water resources and their use, which does not result in significant 
health risk and which are not intended for direct enforcement but only for water 
quality and as basis for taking positive action in preventing, controlling or abating 
water pollution as determined by the Department of Environment Resources (DENR).
SEC. 4. Pasig River Rehabilitation and Development Authority - There shall be created under 
the Office of the President, an independent regulator)' body possessing corporate attributes 
with quasi-judicial and quasi-legislative powers to be known as the Pasig River 
Rehabilitation and Development Authority, hereinafter referred to as the Authority. The 
Authority shall be the primary government agency that shall coordinate, plan, manage and 
implement the development programs and resource utilization in the Pasig River Basin 
System. The Authority shall execute the powers and ftinction vested and conferred by this 
Act.
The Pasig River Basin System consists of all barangays located along the 27- kilometer river 
which transverses the cities of Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Taguig and the 
municipality of Taytay in the Province of Rizal and all barangays located in its 47 tributaries 
including esteros and waterways located in the local government units of Manila, Makati, 
Pasay, Taytay and Pateros that drains to branches out from the Pasig River and the industrial, 
commercial, business, residential, recreational and other private and public areas contiguous 
to the environmental preservation areas.
For purposes of this Act, environmental preservation areas refer to areas consisting of the ten 
(10) meters wide land along approximately twenty-seven (27) kilometers of both banks of the 
Pasig River and the three (3) meters wide strip of land along all its 47 tributaries which are 
essential for the ecological preservation of the Pasig River, to provide a buffet zone between 
the river and resident population to ensure public safety and provide access for environmental 
management.
SEC.5. General Policies - In the exercise of its powers and duties, the Authority shall be 
guided by the following policies:
a.) 
The rehabilitation and sustainable development of the Pasig River Basin 
System in order to transform its environs into a showcase of a new quality of urban life;


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b.) 
The preparation, development and implementation of a comprehensive and 
detailed twenty-five (25) year Pasig River Rehabilitation Roadmap and Master Plan 
based on the framework of sustainable water management in consultation and 
coordination with the Local Government Units (LGUs), DENR, Department of Interior 
and Local Government (DILG), Department of Transportation and Communication 
(DOTC), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Metropolitan Waterworks 
and Sewerage System (MWSS) and other appropriate government agendas and 
stakeholders;
c) Consistent with the 25-year Pasig River Rehabilitation Roadmap and Master Plan, 
the implementation of short and medium-torn: program, activities and projects to attain 
the objectives of this Act shall be prioritized, "high is, among others, to transform and 
upgrade the water quality of the Pasig River Basin System into Class preferably before 
the end of the 25-year duration of this Act;
d) The strengthened participation and role of the LGUs specifically the 
barangays in the implementation and enforcement of existing environmental 
laws such as Republic Act No. 9275, otherwise known as the "Clean Water Act 
of 2004," and Republic Act No. 9003. otherwise known as the "Ecological Solid 
Waste Management Act of 2000," to revive the Pasig River from being 
considered biologically-dead;
e) The encouraged participation of the private sector and civil society 
organizations in transforming the Pasig River Basin System into a conducive 
environment for recreation, business and other productive uses, anti attract private 
sector-driven and cleaner technology-based investments in ecosystem development;
f) The planning, programming, social preparation and adjustment, relocation or 
resettlement of the population from the declared environmental preserx'ation areas 
(EPAs) of the Pasig River Basin System, in coordination with appropriate government 
agencies and LGUs, and to ensure that relocation and resettlement areas have 
permanent access to adequate basic social
services and livelihood opportunities;
g) Clearing and dismantling illegal structures and obstructions in order to recover 
government casement or right-of-way for the EPAs located along the banks of the Pasig 
River and its 47 tributaries, and the titling of the same in the name of the Republic of 
the Philippine; and,
h) Massive information and education campaign to amplify stakeholder awareness and 
voluntary participation on the importance of environmental restoration, rehabilitation, 
protection and conservation of the basic River Basin System in close coordination with 
LGUs and other government agencies.


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SEC 6. Powers and Functions. - The Authority shall exercise the following Powers and 
functions:
a) Work closely with the MMUA and MIVSS and its concessionaries to ensure
for adequate, dependable and reliable wastewater treatment facilities and sewerage 
systems in all their authorized service areas, particularly, in the unnerved and under­
served communities, barangays or urban renewal areas (URAL) 'within the Pasig River 
Basin System;
b) Periodically conduct comprehensive scientific surveys, studies, field sampling and 
laboratory testing, and GIS-mapping of the Pasig River Basin System in coordination 
with the Department of Science and Technology(DOST), DENR-Environmental 
Management Bureau (EMB), National Mapping and Resource Information Authority 
(NAMRIA) and MMDA to monitor evaluate, update and analyze among others, the 
physical, biological, chemical, hydrologic, bathymetric and hydrographic characteristics 
including socio-economic profile of the stakeholders, trade and industrial and 
commercial profile, status of the national government agency and LGU programs and 
projects, biometric tagging and identification of informal settle, parcellary land use and 
zoning aspects mapping of critical effluent discharge areas, transportation and 
'navigation attributes, historical and tourism elements, and its interphase and 
relationships on Integrated Water Quality Management Framework with the Tullahan 
River, Laguna Lake, Manila Bay and other nearby bodies of water;
c) Engage the services of the private sector through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) 
process or through the Built Operate and Transfer (BOT) Scheme under Republic Act 
No. 6957, entitled "An Act Authorizing the Financing Construction, Operation and 
Maintenance of Infrastructure Project by the Private Sector, and For Other Puiposes,” or 
other acceptable forms of partnership agreements in establishing its own water quality 
laboratory, GIS-mapping system, surveillance and monitoring anti enforcement system 
through high- definition closed circuit televisions or other surveillance and monitoring 
technologies and new technologies on highly-specialized fields including sewerage anti 
sewage treatment system which require the expertise and investment of the private 
sector;
d) Engage in land swapping in securing relocation and resettlement areas, and in sludge 
or contaminated sediment disposal and treatment sites whenever necessary, whether by 
itself or in cooperation with private pecans or entities and enter into other acceptable 
exchange agreements related to social and ecological development projects;
e) Engage in experimental community-based integrated wastewater and management 
basement technologies and strategies including the collection and disposal system, 
sewage and septage treatm.ent, collection and disposal of floating garbage, solid waste 
by-products, sludge or contaminated sediments;
f) Conduct, in coordination with the LGUs, the Presidential Commission for the


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Urban Poor, National Housing Authority (NHA), MMDA and DILG, consultation and 
social preparation and arrange provision for low cost housing to qualified informal settler 
families located along the Pasig River Basin System prior to relocation and settlement 
with the exception of known professional squatters;
g.) Identify, secure and possess near-site or on-site development areas for low-cost and 
socialized mass housing of qualified informal settler families;
h) Clear and dismantle all illegal structures, in coordination with the local 
government units, MMDA. DILG; and Philippine National Police (PNP), and ensure that 
the easements provided for in this Act, and other related laws are enforced, especially in 
all the esteros and waterways that drain into and branch-out of the Pasig River;
i) Formulate and implement the comprehensive Pasig River Rehabilitation Roadmap and 
Master Plan;
J.) Review all plans, projects and programs on the Pasig River Basin System and the 
expansions thereto including those submitted by LGUs, public corporations, public 
utility franchisees, concessionaires, private persons or corporations that relate to the 
development of the Pasig River Basin System to ensure that they conform to the 
environmental standards prescribed by the Authority and other environmental laws;
k) Implement infrastructure projects such as flood control, solid waste management, 
wastewater and sewerage, water supply, access roads, access ports, housing, leisure 
parks and related works within the context of its development master plan including the 
readjustment, relocation or resettlem.ent of population within the Pasig River Basin 
System tliat may be deemed necessary and benefieial in pursuit of its mandate. In case 
any of these projects is financed wholly or in part by the Authority, it shall have 
authority to collect fees and tolls from users or beneficiaries to recover costs of 
construction and maintenance of the protects. Infrastructure projects which are in the 
nature of social overhead capital projects shall be entitled to receive the corresponding 
financial assistance from the government;
l) Implement, in coordination with the Philippine Reclamation Authority and 
the LGUs, dredging or reclamation projects;
m) Conduct, in close coordination with the DENR, DOST, the academe and other 
private and public research institutions, continuing research and development programs 
on water quality management technologies integrated water resource management 
models and techniques, and appropriate wastewater technologies, with the end view of 
promoting
sustainable development;
n) Without prejudice to existing environmental laws, establish and enforce anti­
pollution standards and water quality guideline's on domestic, municipal.


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commercial and industrial waste water and effluents being discharged into the 
river system;
o) Adopt rules and regulations governing the approval of sewage works and 
industrial waste treatment and disposal systems and the issuance of clearances or permits 
in accordance with the provisions of this Act and inspect the construction and 
rnaiiuc-nance of sewerage works and industrial waste treaiiiient and disposal systems in 
compliance with clearance or permit conditions;
p) Require all projects or activities affecting the Pasig River Basin System to secure 
Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECCs) required under Presidential Decree No. 
1586 and grant clearances and permits for projects and activities win.in or affecting the 
Paste River Basin System including industrial and commercial activities, recreation and 
tourism, navigation, housing and other forms of land developments, construction and 
operation
and impose necessaiy safeguards, management and control of wastewater 
and collect necessary fees for such activities anti projects;
q) Issue, renew or cancel permits subject to reasonable guidelines for the discharge of 
sewage, septage, industrial waste and installation or operation sewerage works and 
industrial disposal systems or park thereof, for the prevention and abatement of 
pollution;
r) Require subdivisions, condominiums, clinical and medical establishments, mortuaries, 
car and motor repair shops, private and public, markets, abattoirs, private and public 
buildings and other similar human settlements within the private and public buildings 
and otlier similar human settlements within the Pasig River Basin System to construct 
and appropriate individual and decentralized wastewater and sanitary treatment plants, or 
centralized sewerage systems and sewage treatment facilities. The Authority shall 
impose reasonable fees and other similar charges for issuance or renewal of all the 
required permits;
s) Impose annual fees or levies in the form of local tax on all industrial and commercial 
users of the Pasig River anti its tributaries as well as the esteros branching from and 
draining into the Pasig River;
t) Issue, after due notice anti hearing, orders or decisions to compel compliance with the 
provisions of this Act and its implementing rules and regulations;
u) Issue, alter or modify, after due notice and hearing, orders decisions requiring the 
discontinuance of pollution specifying the conditions and the
time within which such discontinuance must be accomplished;
v) Revoke, suspend or modify, after due notice and hearing, any clearance or 
instrumentalities for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Act and


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its implementing rules and regulations;
w) Deputize or request the assistance of appropriate government agencies or 
instrumentalities for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Act and its 
implementing rules and regulations and the orders and the decisions of the Authority;
x) Enter, inspect or investigate at all reasonable times any public and private property 
devoted to commercial and industrial use within the Pasig River Basin System, on any 
matter relating to pollution and existing or imminent environmental hazard and danger;
y) Fix, impose, collect, periodically review anti adjust reasonable fees and other 
related charges for services rendered in the performance of its mandate; and
z) Exercise powers and perform other functions as may be necessary' to carry 
out its duties and responsibilities under this Act.
SEC. 7. Corporate Powers. - The Authority shall exercise the following corporate powers:
a) Succeed on its corporate name;
b) Sue and be sued in its corporate name;
c) Adopt, alter and use a corporate seal;
d) .Adopt, amend or repeal its by-laws;
e) Enter into, make, perform and carry out contracts of any class, kind and description 
with any person, firm or corporation, private or public and with foreign government 
entities which are necessary or incidental to the realization of its purpose;
f) Acquire, buy, purchase, hold or lease, such personal and real property as it deems 
necessary or convenient in the transaction of its business or to lease, mortgage, sell, 
alienate or otherwise encumber, utilize, exploit or dispose of any such personal and real 
property held by it, subject to prior or existing individual or communal right of private 
parties or of the government or any ageney or enterprise thereof No real property shall 
be sold without the approval of the President of the Philippines;
g) Receive and utilize donations, grants, bequeaths and assistance of all kinds from local 
and foreign governments and private sectors;
h) Exercise the right of eminent domain whenever the Authority deems it necessary to 
carry out the objectives under this Act;
i) Borrow funds from any local or foreign sources independent of the bonds it


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may issue to carry out the purpose of this Act;
j) Purchase, hold, alienate, mortgage, pledge or otherwise dispose of shares of the 
capital stock of or any bond, securities or other evidence of indebtedness created by 
any other corporation, co-partnership of government agencies or instrumentalities. The 
authority shall not invest its funds in any high risk instruments or any highly speculative 
stock issued Without recourse to coniniercial banks or investnierit houses;
k) Perform of any acts which a corporation or a juridical person is authorized to perform 
under of existing laws;
l) Provide of incentives to encourage the private sector to fully subscribes to its share of 
stocks; and
m) Issues such other rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary to carry out the 
purposes of this Act.
SEC. 8. Board of Directors. -  The corporate powers of the authority shall be vested in 
exercised by Boai d of directors, hereinafter referred to as the Board.
a) General manager of the authority, as Chairperson;
b) Chairperson of the MMDA, as ex-officio Vice-Chairperson;
c) Secretary of DENR, as ex-officio member;
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d) Secretary of the D1 LG, as ex-otTicio member;
e) A representative of LGUs located along the Pasig river basin; and
f) Two (2) representatives from the private sector who are shareholders or stakeholders in 
the Pasig river, as members.
The ex officio members of the board may designate of the officer next in rank as a permanent 
alternate representative to the board. The appointment and qualification of the members of 
the Board shall be in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 11049, otherwise 
known as the “GOCC Governance Act of 2011.” The Governance Commission for 
Government Owned or Controlled Corporations shall give utmost consideration to the 
nominees recommended by the General Manager. The General Manager shall recommend at 
least three (3) names for every vacant position.
SEC. 9. Powers and functions. -  The Board shall exercise the following powers and 
functions:
a) Provide a comprehensive policy guidance for the rehabilitation and development and 
the Pasig river basin system;


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b) Prescribe and promulgate policies, rules and regulations to govern the conduct of the 
business of the Authority and ensure that the Authority performs its functions in proper, 
efficient and effective manner;
c) Decide the objectives, strategies and policies of the authority in accordance with the 
provisions of this Act;
d) Exercise appellate powers on the decisions of the General Manager;
e) Issue subpoena ad testificandum or subpoena dues tecum, requiring the attendance and 
testimony of a witness in any matter or inquiry pending before the Board and require the 
production of books, paper, and contracts, agreements and all other documents;
f) Exercise appellate powers to order the taking of deposition at any stage of any 
proceeding investigation pending before the Board;
g) Approve the organizational and administrative structures and the corresponding 
staffing pattern of the authority; fix their reasonable compensation allowance and other 
benefits in accordance with the Salary Standardization Law; prescribe their duties and 
establish such methods and procedures as may be necessary to ensure the efficient, 
honest and economical administration of the provisions and purposes of this Act; 
Provided, that all personnel of the authority below the rank of the General Manager shall 
be appointed by the Chairperson of the Board: Provided further personnel appointed by 
the General Manager, except those below the rank of Department Heads and others of 
comparable rank shall be subject to confirmation by the Board; Provided, finally, that the 
personnel of the authority shall be selected only from those with civil service eligibility 
and shall be subject to civil service laws, rules and regulations;
h) Approve the annual and supplemental budgets of the authority and authorize each 
operating and capital expenditures and disbursements as may be necessary for the 
effective management operation and administration of the authority;
i) Create and organized ad-hoc technical working groups composed of representatives 
from the government and other stakeholders to assist the Board; and
j) Perform such other functions as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this 
Act.
SEC.IO. Quorum. -  The presence of at least four (4) members of the Board shall constitute a 
quorum. The majority vote of three (3) members where a quorum is present shall be 
necessary for the adoption of any rule, resolution, decision or other acts of the Board.
SEC.ll. Board meetings. -  The Board shall meet regularly once a month and may hold 
special meetings to consider urgent matters upon the call of the Chairperson or upon the
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initiative of four (4) members. The rules and procedures in the conduct of board meetings 
shall be prescribed by the Board.
SEC. 12. Fer diems. -  The members of the Board shall receive a per diem for each meeting 
actually attended the per diems of the members of the board shall be determined by the board 
in accordance with the existing rules and regulations.
SEC. 13. General Manager. -  The Authority shall be headed by a General Manager who 
shall be the Chief Executive officer and shall be e.xercise the following Powers and 
Functions;
a) Submit for consideration of the board, the policies and measures that are necessary to 
carry out of the purposes and objectives of this Act;
b) Head and administer the Pasig river basin Ajudication panel as the implementing arm of 
the quasi-judicial powers of the authority:
c) Execute administer and implement the policies, plans program and programs, and 
projects approved by the Board
d) Manageand supervise the operation and administration of the authority:
e) Appoint all officials and employees of the authority below the rank of the Executive 
Director remove, suspend or otherwise discipline the same for cause, in accordinance 
with existing civil services laws, rules and regulations;
f) Submit quarterky reports to the board on personnel selection, placement and training;
g) Render annual report to the Board and various stakeholders regarding the operation of 
tlie Authority including its latest financial statements;
h) Represents The Authority in all its dealings with offices agencies , and intrumentalities 
of the Government and with all persons and other entities, public or private. Domestic 
and foreign; and
i) Perform such other functions as may be provided in the by- laws and as may be vested 
by The Board
SEC. 14. Qualifications. -  The general manager must be;
a) A Filipino citizen
b) At least thirty-five (35) years of age \
c) With good Moral character, unquestionable integrity, recognized competence and,
d) A Degree holder with at least five (5) years supervisory or management experience in 
the field of public administration. Economic planning Environmental planning and
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natural resource management, or in the Establishment and management or large 
agricular, commercial or industrial Enterprises of other related fields.
SEC. 15. t erm of office. -  I he general Manager Shall be appointed by the President of 
the phillippines and shall have a term of six (6) years which may be Extended for 
another non-Extendible term of two (2) years. The general manager shall only be 
removed for cause and accoidmance with the rules and regulations Prescribed by the 
civil services Commission.
SEC. 16. Compensation. -  The general manager shall be vested with the rights; 
privileges, disqualification and prohibitions of a cabinet member and shall have a rank 
of Cabinet Secretary
SEC. 17. Management structure. -  in the cany'ing out of the activities of the Authority, 
the general Manager shall be assisted by an assistant General Manager and four (4) 
Directors, one (1) for legal services, one (1) for technical services,and one (1) for 
administration and finance Services and one (1) for Social Development and Advocacy, 
who shall have a such powers, duties and Functions as the general manager may 
prescribe or delegate. The deputy General Manager shall act as the General Manager in 
the absence or during the temporary incapacity of the General Manager or until such 
time as new General Manager is duly Appointed
The Authority shall have the following departments under the direct supervision and 
control of the general managaer:
a) Enforcement and legal service Department which shall provide legal advice and 
support to all the corporate units on legal implications of the var ious Undertakings of 
the Authority. It shall also provide professional assistance in the implemation of the 
quasi-judicial and regulatory functions of the authority, which includes enforcement 
of Environmental protection proper procedures on investigation litigation, 
adjudication and voluntary arbritation. This department shall oversee and manage 
the operations of barangay waterways water quality surveillance monitoring and 
enforcement units.
b) Administrative and finance Department which shall be responsible for providing 
services related to administrative support services such as consolidation or major 
final output preparation of personnel evaluation system human resource 
management, revenue planning generation and enchancement budget and financial 
matters records management, safekeeping of financial assets, and general services.
c) Technical and Environmental Management Services Department which shall serves 
as main regulatory and technical arm of the authority and shall oversee the 
integretion of the Functions on river basin management and development, including 
the management and operations of the GIS-Mapping unit and laboratories . this
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department shall also be responsible for providing scientific studies, technical policy 
planning research and development ,and technology management services;
d) Social Development and advocacy department which shall be responsible for
resettlement and reloeation of informal settlers including their social preparation. It 
shall also be responsible for dissemination of information and educational campaign.
SEC. 18 . Power of administer Oaths.- The members of the Board the General 
Manager and other duly Deseignated officers of the Authority.shall have the 
authority to administer oaths in the transaction and performance and their official 
duties
SEC. 19. Advisory council. -  there shall be Constituted an advisory Council for the 
Rehabilitation and development of the pasig river which shall ser\;e as the main 
institutional linkage with the national government to provide blinding and informed 
guidance on the strategic policies and direction of the authority. Tlie advisoiy 
council shall be headed by the Executive Secretary and shall have the following 
members;
a) Secretary on Environment and natural resources:
b) Secretary of Budget and Management!
c) Chairperson of the Housing and Urban development Coordinating Council 
(HUDCC);
d) Secretary of the public works Highways;
e) Secretary of finance
f) Secretary of j ustice;
g) Secretary of tourism; and
h) Secretary of transportation and Communications
The Advisory Council shall advise and General manager in the exercise and 
functions of the authority and in the formulation of the policies for the effective 
implementation of this act.it shall convene atleast twice a year to ensure that the
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plans and programs of the Authority are aligned with the priorities of the president 
and odjectives of this act
The board shall present in all of the meetings of the Advisory Council,
The Members of the Advisory Council shall receive a per diem for each meeting 
actually attended tlie per diems of tlie members of tire Advisory Council sliall be 
Determined by the by the Board in Accordance with the existing Guidelines of the 
Commission on audit.
SEC. 20. Consultative Assembly. -  There shall be Established a consultative 
assembly which shall serve as venue for public consutation and participation by 
stakeholders and presentation of Authority’s plans and programs or modification, 
amendement or revision of rules and regulations prior to its adoption or implemation 
within its jurisdiction. 
The consultative assembly shall be composed of the 
following;
a) Mayors of the cities and municipalities comprising the pasig river basin system 
such as manila, Makati. Mandaluyong , Pasig, Taguig, Quezon City, san juan. 
Marikina. tatay, Pasay.and Pateros;
b) The Chairpersons of all Barangays comprising the pasig River Basin System;
c) Owners, proprioters and authorized operators of all major private comm.ercial or 
indusrtial business establishment located in all barangay’s comprising the pasig 
river basin system and;
d) Representatives od the homeowners assiciations civil society organizations and 
peoples organizations in the pasig River basin syetem.
The Authority shall convene an annual year-end general assembly to report and 
present its fmacial and fiscal status and updates on its plan programs and projects 
to its stakeholders and the to public. The required logistical support such as food 
and transportation allowances shall be provided to the members of the Advisory 
Council, and The Board and consultative assembly during the meeting at the 
expense of the Authority subject to Government accounting and auditing 
procedures.
SEC. 21. Addional offices. -  The board may create additional offices it may 
deem necessary for the effective implementation of this act not later than six (6) 
months from the date of the effectivity of this act.
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SEC. 22. Enforcement Powers. -  The authority shall have enforcement power 
within the pasig river Basin System to carry out of the functions and attain the 
purposes and objectives declaired under this act. The grant of such powers shall 
be in Conformity with the functions exclusively provided by the law to be 
exercised by the Phillippine. National Police and other Goverririient agencies.
The Authority may request the assistance of other law enforcement agencies, 
including request for deputation as may be required Such enforcement power 
shall be exercised in connection with the operations with the operations of 
barangay waterways, water quality surveilance monitoring and enforcement units 
and implentation of rules and regulations promulgated by the Board persuant to 
the Authority griuited under this act.
SEC. 23. Power to investigate violations.- The genaral manager willingly or at 
the instance of a private person or the board may conduct investigations based on 
the procedures that the Board may prescribe accordance with the provissions of 
the rules of Court serving as supplemental guidelines.
SEC. 24. Cease and desist order. -  The general Manager after due investigation 
may issue a cease and desist order to immediately halt any practice found to be 
violation of the provisions of this act. Such orde shall be without prejudice to the 
civil or criminal prosecution of persons under the existing law
SEC. 25. Pasig River ajudication panel. -  To carry out effectively the quasi- 
judicial powers of the Authority shall be created a Pasig River basin Ajudication 
panel shall composed of the general manager as the Head one (1) ex officio 
Board member one (1) board member for the private sector.
The Adjudication panel shall have the following powers and Functions;
a) Issue preliminary or permanent injuctions wether prohibitory or mandatory in 
all cases in which it has jurisdication
b) Issuue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum and to the summon witnesses to 
the appear in any proceedings of the adjudication panel and administer oaths 
and affirmations;
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c) Punish for contempt both direct and indirect in accordance with the pertinent 
provisions of and the penalties prescribed by the Rules of the court;
d) Conduct investigations and hearings on the complaints for violation of the 
environmental laws and of this act issue show cause order decesions or 
ruliuig and impose fines and penalties for such violations
e) Issues notice of violations or non-compliance cease and desist orders and 
other related orders necessary for the enforcement of existing environmental 
laws and rules and Regulations of this act;
The adjudication panel is mandated to take cognizance and adjudicate violations 
of tliis act. Any decision order or resolution shall be concurred in by the majority members of 
the panel and duly signed by the General Manager. The decision or resolution of the 
adjudication panel may be appealed to the board within fiftteen (15) days from receipt of the 
decesion order or resolution the decesion of the Board may be further appealed to any court 
of competent jurisdiction in accordance with the provisions of the rules of court.
SEC. 26. Prohibited Acts. -  the Following acts are prohibited;
a) Discharging depositing or causing to be deposited matter of any kind directly 
or indirectly along the margins or the water of the pasig River where the same 
shall be liable to be w'ashed into surface water either by the tide storm floods 
or other occurrences which cause water pollution or impede the natural flow of 
the Pasig river;
b) Discharging injecting or allowing to seep into the soil or sub-soil any subtance 
in any form that would pollute the pasig river groundwater. In the case of 
geothermal projects subjects to the approval of the Authority, the Regulated 
discharge for short term activities such as well testing flushing commissioning, 
venting and deep re-injection of geothermal liquids may be allowed; provided 
that safety measures are adopted to prevent the contamination of the 
grounwater.
c) Operating facilities and discharging regulated water pollutants without the 
valid required permits or under revoked permit and violation of any condition 
imposed by Authority;
d) Disposal and potencially infectious medical waste in to the pasig river and its 
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e) Unauthorized transport of dumping of segwey sludge solid waste or 
commercial industrial and institutional waste in to the pasig river and its 47 
tributaries and waterways;
f) Transporting dumping or discharging of prohibited chemicals, toxic subtances 
hazaidous and nucleai' waste into the pasig river.
g) Operating facilities that discharge or allow to seep willfully or through gross 
negligence prohibited chem.icals toxic hazardous and nuclear waste or 
pollutants in to the waterways wherein the same shall be washed in to the 
surface and ground water of the pasig river;
h) Undertaking activities development and expansion projects or operating 
wastewater and sewerage facilities in violation of environmental impact 
statement System established under presidential decree No. 1586 and its 
implementing rules and regulations.
i) Discharging regulated water pollutants without the valid required discharge 
permit persuant to this act or after the permit was revoked for any violation of 
the condition therein
j) Refusal to allow entry inspection and monitoring by the Authority.
k) Refusal to allow access by the Authority to relevant reports and records
l) Refusal or failure to submit reports whenever required by the Authority
m) Refusal or failture to designate pollution control officers whenever required by 
the Authority in accordance with this Acr; and
n) Directly using booster pumps in the distribution sy stem or tampering with the 
water supply in such a way as to alter or impair the quality of the water
SEC. 27. Penal clause. -  Any person who corrunits any of the prohibited acts 
mentioned in Section 26 hereof or any rule and regulation promugated 
persuant thereto shall be punished by impronment of not less than (1) year but 
not more than three (3) years or a fine of not less than ten thousand pesos 
(PI0,000,00) but not more than fifty thousand pesos (P50,000,00), or both. If 
the offender is a corporation or a juridical person the officers there of who 
have knowingly participated in the violation shall be held liable.
SEC. 28. Incentives.- the Authority may provide incentives to the industries
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And commercial enlerprises that undertake necessarry measures to abate pollution within the 
pasig river Basin system and to the government agencies involved in the construction of 
parks river control structures revetments along the river banks anti-pollution devices 
contraptions appurtenance bio-remediation and containment systems cleaner technology 
systems for wastewater treatment and sewerage facilities and solid-waste and garbage 
disposal system and other related equipment.
Investment incentives shall be provided by the Authority to the industries organizations 
and persons w hose activities will enhance the utilization of the Pasig River and its environs 
such as clean-up operations, dredging and sediment removal or de-siltation projects, 
recreation, tourism, and other programs that willl revive, improve and enhance the ecological 
system of the Pasig River Basin System.
SEC. 29. Annual fees. -  The Authority shall be authorized to collect annual fees from 
private business establishments, individuals or corporatation. including residential 
establishments such as townhouses. apartments, hotels, condominiums.condotels, medical 
hospitals and wet markets, both private and public, whose wastewater disposal facilities are 
connected to the sewerage system located within the F'asig River Basin System or which 
wastewater eventually drains or seeps to the Pasig River. The fees collected shall only be 
used for rehabilitation and sustainable development of the Pasig River Basin System.
SEC. 30 . Fiscal Autonomy. - The Authority shall enjoy fiscal autonomy. All funds 
earned by the Authority from the collection or levy or from all fees, charger,dues,assessments 
and fines collected pursuant to this .Act shall be used solely to funds its operations. The 
utilization of funds shall be subject to the examination of the Congressional Oversight 
Committee.
SEC. 31. Capitalizations and financing- TheAuthority shall have an authorized capital of 
Eight Hundred million pesos (P800,000,000.00). The authorized capital shall be divided into 
eight million (P8,000,000). Shares of stock with a par value of One hundred pesos (PI 00.00) 
per share. The National Government shall subscribe to four million six hundred thousand 
(P4,600,000) shares wile the one million one hundred thousand (PI, 100,000) shares shall be 
subscribed by the local goverrunent units of manila, makati, mandaluyong, 
pasig,taguig,quezon city,san juan,marikina,pasay,taytay and pateros at one hundred thousand
(100.000) shares each. The balanced of two million three hundred thousand (2,300,000) 
shares shall be open for subscription to private individuals or corporations within Pasig River 
Basin System. The shares of stock shall be devided into five million six hundred thousand
(5.600.000) ordinary voting shares and two million four hundred thousand (2,400,000) non­
voting preferred shares
SEC. 32. Funding- The amount necessary to subscribe and pay for the remaining shares 
of the National Government to the capital stock of the Authority. Shall be included in the
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annual General Appropriations Act. For LGUs, the funds for subscription shall be taken from 
their Internal Revenue Allotment and other local funds,
SEC. 33. Exemption from Taxes, Customs and Tariff Duties- The Importation of 
equipment, machinaries, spare parts, accessories and other materials including supplies and 
services which are used solely and exclusively for the operations of the Authority and are not 
available locally shall be exempt from all direct and indirect taxes, wbai fage fees and other 
charges. All obligations entered into by the Authority and any income derived therefrom, 
including those contracted with the private interanational banking and financial institutions 
shall be exempt from all taxes including the principal and the interest. The Authority is also 
exempt from the payment of capital gains tax, documentary stamp tax, real property estate 
tax and all other local govomment taxes and fees.
SEC. 34. Auditor- The Chairperson of the Commission on Audit (CO A) shall be the ex- 
officio Auditor of the Authority. For this purpose, the Chairperson may appoint a 
representative and the necessary personnel who stall audit the Authority.
All acounts and expenses of the Authority shall be audited by the commission on Audit or 
its duly authorized representative.
SEC. 35. Transitory Provision- The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) is 
hereby dissolved upon the effectively of this Act. All assets, liabilities, and projects of the 
PRRC shall automatically be transferred to the Pasig River Rehabilitation and Development 
Authority.
The officers and employees of the PRRC shall continue in a holdover capacity until 
such time as the new officers and employees of the Authority shall have been duly appointed 
pursuant to the provisions of this Act. All qualified regular or permanent employee who may 
be transferred to the Authority shall not suffer any loss in seniority or rank or decrease in 
emoluments. Any employee who cannot be absorbed by the Authority shall be entitled to a 
separation pay under existing retirement laws.
Qualified existing personnel of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission shall be 
given preference in the filling up of plantilla positions created in the Authority, subject to 
existing civil service rules and regulations.
SEC. 36. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee- There is hereby created a Joint 
Congressional Oversight Committee to monitor the implementation of this Act and to review 
the implementing rules and regulations promulgated by the Authority. The Committee shall 
be composed of five (5) senator and five (5) Representatives to be appointed by the Senate 
President and the Speaker of the House Representatives, respectively. The Oversight 
Committee shall be co-chaired by the Chairpersons of the Committees on Environment of the 
Senate and the Committee on Ecology of the House of Representatives.
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SEC. 37. Implementing Rules And Regulations- Within ninety (90) days from the approval 
of this Act, The Board of Directors of the Authority shall issue the necessary rules and 
regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. The implementing rules and 
regulations shall be published in the official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
SEC. 38. Repealing Clause — Presidential Decree No. 274 issued on Noveiviber 18,1973 
pertaining to the preservation, beautification, improvement and gainful utilization of the 
Pasig River, and Executive Order No. 54 issued on January 6,1999, creating the Pasig River 
Rehabilitation Commission, are hereby repealed. All other laws, decrees, orders, rules and 
regulations or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
modified accordingly.
SEC. 39. Separability Clause -  If any provisions of this Act is declared unconstitutional or 
invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.
SEC. 40. Effectivity -  This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper or general circulation.
Approved,
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