FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANNY VILLAR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
An incurable new strain of water borne cholera is threatening the country. 
Medical scientists call it fibro choleras non-0139, and is said to be widespread in the 
countryside, particularly in areas where there are inadequate sources of potable water. 
Six hundred four (604) cases of fibro choleras non-0139 have been reported and a 
number have already died. 
At present, no medical remedy can cure the disease. There are no vaccines to 
immunize people against it. The only definitive solution to stop the spread of this 
disease is to have a clean supply of drinking water. There is therefore a need to build 
sanitary water systems and other facilities as a preventive measure for this epidemic. 
Such facilities will prevent not only cholera, but other water-borne diseases as well. 
This bill seeks to develop a three-year program for the construction of a potable 
water supply system in every barangay throughout the country. Providing a clean water 
supply source in rural areas is important in order to prevent the outbreak of cholera and 
other water-borne diseases. 
This bill will realize the long-time dream of the barrio folks, including the few 
families who manage to afford electric pumps despite exorbitant electric bills, in 
obtaining a modern and potable water system in their area. 
Approval of this bill is earnestly requested. 
MANNY 
LLAR 9 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 981 
INTRODUCED BY HON. MANNY VILLAR 
AN ACTTO PROMOTE RURAL HEALTH BY PROVIDING FOR AN 
ACCELERATED PROGRAM FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A POTABLE 
WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM IN EVERY BARANGAY IN THE COUNTRY 
WITHIN THREE YEARS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Policy - It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State to 
promote the quality of health of every Filipino through the provision of adequate social 
services including, but not limited to, the provision of an adequate potable water supply 
system to minimize the exposure of water borne disease. 
SECTION 2. 
Lead Agency - The Department of Social Welfare and 
Development in coordination with the Department of Health and the Department of 
Public Works and Highways shall undertake a three year program for the construction 
of potable water supply system in every barangay throughout the country. The program 
shall give priority to areas with social and health problems brought about by water- 
borne diseases taking into consideration population, area served, project cost and other 
economic, social and environmental factors as may be deemed necessary in 
undertaking the program within the context of the national development plans. The 
lead agencies concerned, in consultation with the provincial and municipal development 
councils, shall determine the areas which shall be given priority. 
SECTION 3. Program Guidelines - The lead agencies concerned shall observe 
the following priorities and guidelines in the planning, construction and management of 
potable water supply projects: 
a. Funds provided for in this Act shall be used only for the construction of the 
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new potable water supply system; 


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b. Priority shall be given to the construction of communal water supply; 
c. The potable water supply projects must be equitably distributed among the 
provinces and municipalities, giving priority to those provinces and 
municipalities having inadequate supply of potable water; 
d. The local government unit concerned shall participate in all stages of the 
project. 
The local government shall participate in the project planning, 
identification, design, management of the project funds, construction and 
monitoring; 
e, The potable water supply system shall be managed and maintained by the 
local government unit concerned; 
f. The provincial offices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, 
Department of Health, and Department of Public Works and Highways, shall 
be responsible in the preparation of feasibility studies and design of 
communal potable water supply projects. 
SECTION 4. Appropriation - The sum of Fifty Million Pesos (50,000,000.00) is 
hereby appropriated for the initial implementation of the provision of this Act. 
Thereafter, the succeeding appropriations for its continued implementation shall be 
included in the annual General Appropriations Act until the program shall have been 
completed. 
SECTION 5. Separability Clause - If any provision of this Act is held 
unconstitutional, other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall 
continue to be in full force and effect. 
SECTION 6 Repealing Clause -All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations 
and inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly. 
SECTION 7. Efecfivify - This act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the official Gazette or two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,