Republic of the Phhippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVHS
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETHENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
Hou`s:Bl]TNo.4865
Introduced by Representative Midy N. Cua
Lone District, Quirino
Et;trffi8£EIVED
AN ACT ESTABLISHING THH NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR WATER RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT AND CREATING THH DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES AND
THE WATHR REGULATORY COMMISSION, DEFINING THEIR MANDATES, POWERS
AND FUNCTIONS, AND APPROPRIATINGS FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In 2015, the Philippines, along with all United Nations Member States, adopted the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development. At its center are the  17  Sustainable Development Goals, a call for action
by all countries to end poverty and other deprivations while tackling climate change and preserving
the  natural  environment.  Of the  17  goals,  Sustainable  Development  Goal  6  aims  to  ensure  the
availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Based  on the  latest  country snapshot,  the  Philippines  needs to  accelerate  its efforts to  achieve the
targets under Goal 6. After five years of implementation, progress has been slow with only 47% of
the population using a safely managed drinking water service, 61% of the population using a safely
managed sanitation service, and 82% of the population having a handwashing facility with soap and
water at home.
In  terms  of Integrated Water Resources  Management  (IWRM),  the  Philippines  reported  moderate
gains  in increasing  its  degree of implementation from  51%  in 2017  to  560/o  in 2020.  However,  the
Philippines  will  still  need  to  fast-track  refoms  to  come  closer  to  the  100%  target  by  2030.  In
particular,  the Philippines  will have to allocate  more  resources  and improve  coordination between
water-related initiatives to strengthen its implementation of IWRM.
This bill proposes to improve the implementation of IWRM in the country through the creation of a
Department of Water Resources that shall be the primary agency responsible for water policy in the
country.  In addition, the bureaucracy will be  streamlined to  support the  adoption  of IWRM  as the
strategic framework for national water management, policymaking, and planning. With the creation
of the Department of Water Resources, more attention will also be given to the funding requirements
of water-related initiatives in the country.
This measure was  filed in the  18th Congress by  Representatives Estrellita 8.  Suansing,  Horacio P.
Suansing,  Alfred  D.  Vargas,  Rosanna  "Ria"  Vergara,  Bemadette  "BH"  Herrera-Dy,  Rufus  8.
Rodriguez,  Ron  P.  Salo,  Angelina  "Helen"  D.L.  Tan,  Lorenz  R.  Defensor,  Michael  Odylon  L.
Romero,  Jericho  Jonas  8.  Nograles,  Erico  Aristotle  C.  Aumentado,  John Marvin  "Yul  Servo"  C.
Nieto,  Josephine  Ramirez-Sato,  Aurelio  "Dong"  D.  Gonzales,  Jr.,  Jose  Sarte  Salceda,  Abraham
"Bambol"  N.   Tolentino,   Cheryl  P.   Deloso-Montalla,   Juan  Miguel  Macapagal-Arroyo,  Joselito


"Josel" S.  Sacdalan, Sol Aragones, Deogracias Victor "DV" 8.  Sabellano, Raul C. Tupas, Rozzano
Rufino 8. Biazon, Teodorico T.  Haresco, Jr., Henry R. Villarica, Joy Myra S. Tambunting, Erie L.
0livarez,  Ferdinand  L.  Hemandez,  Luis  Raymund  "LRay"  F.  Vjllafuerte,  Jr.,  Lord  Allan  Jay  Q.
Velasco,  Aloy Lim,  Frederick W.  Siao,  David "Jay-Jay"  C.  Suarez,  Anna Marie Villaraza-Sunrez,
Aleta C. Suarez, and Precious Hipolito Castelo.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
Hau.;effiiNo.4885
Introduced by Representative Midy N. Cua
Lone Diwict, Quirino
AN ACT ESTABLISHING THH NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR WATER RESOURCE
MAr`IAGEMENT AND CREATING TIIE DEPARTMENT oF WATER RESoURCEs AND
THH 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
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 1. S%or/ rz.f/e. - This Act shall be known as the "National Water Act".
SEC. 2. Dec/arorz.o# o/Po/i.c);. -Access to water is a basic human right. All water belongs to
the State which shall govern its development and utilization for the people.
It  is  hereby  declared  the  policy  of the  State  to  ensure  the  provision  of safe,  adequate,
affordable,  and  sustalnable  water  supply  and  improved  sanitation  services,  while  maintaining  the
protection, preservation,  and revival of the quality of the country's water resources  and ecological
balance.
In  pursuit  of  this  policy,  this  Act  shall  have  the  principal  objective  of  ensuring  and
accelerating  universal  access  to  water  supply  and  sanitation  services,  in  a  regulatory  regime  that
encourages responsible private sector participation, and shall foster and prioritize the establishment of
infrastructure  and public  works  that  adopt  innovative  solutions  and  international  best practices  to
address  the  challenges  of  climate  change.  Further,  all  water  and  water  treatment  infrastructure
projects are hereby declared as projects imbued with national interest.
SEC. 3 . De¢#j.cz.o# a/Terms. -As used in this Act:
(a)  B#/k  w¢Jer  swz?p/I.er  refers  to  any  entity,  natural  or juridical,  whether  public  or  private,
supplying or intending to supply large quantities of raw or treated water to buyers who will
use these for their own consumption, such as industrial companies, or for retail distribution to
consumers  such  as  water  service  providers  or  real  estate  developers  managing  their  own
distribution network.
(b)  E#vi.ro#me#/a/ serv!.ces refer to qualitative functions of natural non-produced assets of land,
water, and air, including related ecosystems, and their biota, and which may be categorized


into  three  basic  types:   (a)  disposal  services  which  reflect  the  functions  of  the  natural
enviroirment  as  an  absorptive  sink  for residuals;  ®  productive  services  which reflect the
economic  functions  of  providing  natural  resource  inputs  and  space  for  production  and
consumption, and (c) consumer or consumption services which provide for physiological as
well as recreational and related needs of human beings.
(c)  F/ood Co#tro/ refers to methods, acts, and protocols to be observed in order to prevent and
reduce the detrimental and catastrophic effects of flood waters which include sediment-laden
or turbid flows, and hyper-concentrated flows or debris flows.
(d)  F/ood  Rz.st  Ma#czge7#e#j  rF"J  refers  to  such  acts   of  defining  and  determining  the
appropriate  methods,  acts,  and  protocols  aimed  at  preventing  and  reducing  the  risk  of
incurring loss of both life and property due to flood waters. Flood risk management consists
of  a  cycle   of  prevention,  mitigation,   adaptation,  preparedness  and  early  warning,   and
response  and  recovery.  The  elements  of FRM  include:  integrating  land-use  plannirig  and
coastal zone management into water management; adopting a holistic approach so that FRM
is  part  of wider  risk  or  multi-hazard  management  of earthquakes,  landslides,  and  storm
surges;  managing  risk  and  uncertainty  as  a  whole  so  it  not  only  mitigates  hydrological
uncertainties  but  also  social,  economic  and  political  uncertainties  on  account  of  human
behavior and the cultural dimensions of FRM.
(e)  Ge#dcr Eg#a/!.ty refers to the principle  asserting the equality of men and women and their
right  to  enjoy  equal  conditions  realizing  their  full  human  potentials  to  contribute  to  and
benefit from the results of development, and with the State recognizing that all human beings
are flee and equal in dignity and rights.
(I)   J#/r¢s/rwc/wre ¢#d pwb/j.c words refer only to wholly or primarily water-related projects and
does  not include  projects  that do  not  fall  within the purview  of the objectives,  power and
duties of the Department of Water Resources created under this Act.
(g)  J#fegrcI/ed  Wrclfer Jtesowrce Mo#crgeme#/  r7W"4J  refers  to  a  systematic,  collaborative,  and
multi-stakeholder process which promotes the coordinated development and managenient of
water,  land,  and related resources within geophysical boundaries  in order to maxinriize  the
resultant economic and social welfare in an equitable manner, and without compromisjing the
sustainability of vital ecosystems.
(h)  £eve/s  a/w¢fer swjxp/y refer to communal sources  of water described according to location
and 34 size of the recipient human settlement as follows:
(1)  Level I or the point source is a protected well or a developed spring with an outlet but
without  any  distribution  system,  generally  adaptable  to  rural  and  upland  areas  where
houses  are  thinly  scattered  and  is  a  facility  which  usually  serves  an  average  of  15
households.
(2)  Level 11 or the communal faucet system or stand posts is a system composed of aL water
source,  a  reservoir,  a  piped  distribution  network,  and  communal  faucets  whe're  one
faucet serves 4 to 6 households and is generally suitable for rural and urban fringe areas
where houses are clustered densely to justify a simple piped system.
(3)  Level Ill or the waterworks  system or individual house connections is a system with a
water source,  a reservoir, a piped distribution network and household taps, suitable for
densely populated urban areas.
(i)   £}.ce#se  refers  to  the  Water  Supply  and/or  Sanitation  Services  Operating  License  that  the
Water Regulatory Commission is authorized to grant and issue to service providers.


¢)   £i.ce#see refers to a service provider to  whom a  license  is  granted or issued by the  Water
Regulatory Commission.
(k)  A4issj.o#czry  Wrc}fer Servz.ceis' refer to  water supply  or services  to  areas  that have  no  existing
safe  water  supply  and  services  due  to  geographic  limitation  or  absence  of economic  and
market viability.
(I)   National  Water Resources  Management  Plan  (NWRMP)  refers to  a. pohoy  doc;uncut that
contains a framework to guide the development and management of all the water resources in
the Philippines, the general strategies and work to be pursued to ensure the sustainability of
the  resource  towards  water  security,  and  top-level  direction  on  the  utilization  of existing
water   resources   in   line   with   national   development   plans,   policies,   and   programs   in
accordance   with   the   I\h7RM   framework.   The   NwrRMP   shall   also   include   a   water
infrastructure development program or all waters of the country as well as provide general
guidance on how this shall be supported within an integrated financing framework that can
draw from public, private, and international development funding sources.
(in) Ivef  Wosfe I oczd refers to the difference of the initial waste load of the abstracted water and
the waste load of the final effluent discharge of an industry.
(n)  Regw/czfory  U#j.fs  refer to  the off]ces  established under  Section 20 of this  Act which  issue
licenses  authorizing  the  operation  of Water  Supply  and  Sanitation  Services,  and  provide,
review,  determine,  fix,  and  approve  water  and  sewerage  tariffs,  rates,  and  charges  that
licensees may impose.
(o)  Rz.vcr  besj.#  refers  to  an  area  of land  drained  by  a  stream  or body  of fixed  water  and  its
tributaries which have a common outlet for surface run-off.
a)  Jti.vcr  B¢Si.#   Org¢#z.zczf!.o7!   /RBOJ   refers   to   multi-stakeholder  organizations   which  plan,
coordinate, and monitor activities within a river basin cluster.
(q)  Scz#z.fc7/I.o# refers to the provision of facilities and services for the safe management of human
excreta,   from  toilet  to   containment,   and  storage  and  treatment  onsite   or  conveyance,
treatment and eventual  safe end use or disposal, and includes the safe management of solid
waste and animal waste.
(r)   SedJ.me#f  m¢#¢geme#/  refers  to   control  of  sediment  erosion   and  deposition   in   rivers,
reservoirs,  10 and coastal zones through non-structural  and  structural measures and control
works.
(s)  S"sf¢z.#¢b/e  Deve/apme77f  Goo/a  /SDGs/  also  known  as  the  17  Global  Goals  refer  to  the
universal call to  action to end poverty,  protect the planet,  and ensure that all people enjoy
peace and prosperity by 2030 adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015.
(t)   Sepf¢ge is the liquid and solid material pumped from a septic tank, cesspool, or other primary
treatment source.
(u)  Sepf¢ge A4la#ageme#/ refers to the provision of proper collection, treatment, and disposal of
septage.
(v)  Servz.ce Area refers to the area covered by the water distribution system, sewerage, €md /or
septage management services.


(w) Servz.ce Provider refers to any entity, natural or juridical, whether private or public, providing
or intending to provide levels 11 & Ill water supply, including bulk water suppliers, sewerage,
septage treatment,  and disposal services for domestic, residential, industrial, or commercial
use.
(x)  Sew;age refers to water borne human or animal wastes, excluding oil or oil waste, removed
from   residences,   buildings,   institutions,   and   industrial   and   commercial   establishments
together with such groundwater, surface water and stom waters as may be present including
such waste from vessels, offshore structures, other receptacles intended to receive or retain
waste or other places or the combination thereof.
(y)  Sewer¢ge  refers  to  any  system  or  network  of  pipelines,  ditches,  channels,  or  c{induits
including pumping stations, lift stations and force mains, service connections including other
infrastructure,  devices,  or  appliances  appurtenant  thereto,  which  include  the  collection,
transport, pumping, and treatment of sewage to a point of disposal.
(z)  Sewers refer to pipes  or such other works or structures  which are built and  constructed to
cany, transport, and dispose sewage.
(aa)Socz.a/ z.#c/I/s;.o7I refers to the process  of improving the terms  for disadvantaged individuals
and groups to take part in society.
@b)r¢rzjrS refer to such amounts which may be charged by licensees for their water supply and
sanitation   services   based   on   principles,   standards,   and   guidelines   established   by   the
Department of Water Resources.
(cc) 7y¢fer Dem¢#d Ma#¢gcme#f  /WDMJ  refers  to  any  method,  whether technical,  economic,
administrative, financial, or social that will accomplish one or more of the following:
( 1)  Reduce the quantity or quality of water required to accomplish a specific task;
(2)  Adjust the nature of the task or the way it is undertaken so that it can be accomplished
with less water or with lower quality water;
(3)  Reduce the loss in quantity or quality of water as it flows from source, through  use, to
disposal;
(4)  Shift the timing of use from peak to off-peak periods; and
(5)  Increase the ability of the water system to continue to serve society during times wben
water is in short supply.
(dd) W¢fer  Distrz.cls  refer  to  government-owned  and  controlled  colporations  organized  under
Presidential  Decree  No.   198,  as  amended,  created  primarily  to  acquire,  install,  operate,
maintain,  and  improve water supply  and  distribution  systems  for domestic,  industrial,  and
municipal  uses  of residents  and  to  provide,  maintain,  and  operate  wastewater  collection,
treatment, and disposal facilities within the boundaries of the district.
(ee) Wcz/er po//«fl.o» refers to any alteration of the physical, chemical, biological, or radiological
properties of a body of water resulting in the impairment of its purity or quality.
(fD  Wr¢fer Resowrce refers to water under the  ground or groundwater,  water above  the ground
such as surface water, run-offs, floods, stormwater and urban drainage, treated wastewater,
water  in  the  atmosphere  or  rainwater,  and  the  waters  of  the  sea  within  the  territorial
jurisdiction of the Philippines.


(gg) Wa/er Resowrces Jzegr.our refer to the contiguous clusters of river basins which are grouped
together according to the hydrological boundaries, physiographic features, and homogeneity
in climate, whether or not they straddle different local government units, for administrative
purposes under the Department of Water Resources.
(hh)Wr¢fer  Seniz.cc  Prov!.der  /WISPJ  refers  to  the  water  district,  any  Local  Government  Unit
(LGU)- run water utility, Barangay Waterworks and Sanitation Association (BWSA), Rural
Waterworks  Sanitation  Association  (RWSA),  cooperative,  and  private  sector  entity  that
provides water supply services to any given area.
(ii)  Wafer s'wpp/y  servz.ce  refers  to  any  activity  comprising  Levels  I,  11,  and  Ill  water  supply
including bulk suppliers, suppliers to subdivisions, and other water service providers.
CENTER 11
THE DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES
SEC. 4.  77!e Dep¢rfmenf a/ Wafer Re5owrces - There is hereby created and established the
Department of Water Resources, hereinafter referred to as the Department.
SEC.   5.  M¢"dclfe  a/ ffoe  Dcp¢rtwe#f.  -  The  Department  shall  be  the  primary  agency
responsible for the comprehensive and integrated identification and mapping of all water resources,
planning,   policy   formulation,   and   management   of  the   ownership,   appropriation,   utilization,
exploitation, development, and protection of water resources in the Philippines to ensure the optimal
use thereof for  domestic  and municipal  water  supply,  sanitation,  irrigation,  hydropower,  industry,
navigation, flood management, and recreation except flsheries or aquaculture.
The  Department  shall  also be the primary  agency  responsible  for the planning  and policy
formulation towards the attainment of universal access to safe, adequate, affordable, and sustainable
water supply, and improved sanitation services for all Filipinos.
The  Department  shall  be  the  primary  national  agency  to  enforce  Presidential  Decree  No.
1067 otherwise known as Zlfae  W¢Jer Code a//¢e Pfoz./I.ppl.#es and Republic Act No. 9275, otherwise
known as the Philippine Clean Water Act Of 2004 .
The  Department   shall   exercise  the  powers  and  functions   of  the   defunct  Pasig  River
Rehabilitation Commission created under Executive Order No. 54 Series of 1999 and abolished under
Executive Order No.  93  Series of 2019, specifically the following roles that were transferred to the
Manila Bay Task Force and DENR through the latter EO:
(a)  Update  and  take  the  lead  in  the  overall  implementation  of the  Pasig  River Rehabilitation
Master Plan,  which  shall  harness the  Pasig  River's  potential  for transportation,  recreation,
and tourism purposes while undertaking the rehabilitation and restoration of its maritime life;
and
(b)  Ensure  that  the  Casements  provided  for  in  the  Civil  Code  and  other  relevant  laws  are
enforced, especially in all the esteros and waterways that drain into the Pasig River as well as
abate the dumping of untreated industrial wastewater and sewerage into the river, including
all acts and omissions in violation of Presidential Decree (PD) No. 984, s.1976, as amended
erfui:Ihod, Providing For The  Revision  Of Republic  Act No.  3931,  Commonly  Known As  Th_e
Pollution Control Low, And For Other Purposes, PD "o. Z]4, s.1973 cndllLed, Pertaining To
The  Preservation,  Beautification,  Improvement  And  34  Gairful  Utilization  Of The  Pasig
River, Providing For The Regulation And Control Or Pollution Of The River And Its Banks ln


Order To Enhance Its Development, Thereby Maximizing Its Utilization For Socio-Economic
Pwrpores, and other related laws.
SEC.  6.  Gwz.dj.7!g Prz.#cjp/es'. - In the pursuit of its mandate, the Department shall be guided
by the following key principles:
(a)  The  concept of good water governance  for water security and sufficiency shall be adopted
across  all  levels  of  governance  by  stakeholders  such  as  the  national  government,  local
government,  non-government organizations,  private  organizations,  individuals,  even  global
societal actors, and in various sectors such as water supply, irrigation, fisheries, hydropower,
navigation,  ecosystem  services,  flood management,  climate  change,  and recreation.  It shall
entail  publicly  transparent,  socially  accountable,  and  multi-stakeholder  participatory  water
policy planning, management, and decision-making processes.
(b)  Access  to  safe  water  supply  and  improved  sanitation  is  a  human  right  that  needs  to  be
fulfilled and protected.
(c)  Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) shall be adopted as the basic framework,
which is the coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources
within   hydrological   boundaries    to    optimize    economic    and    social   welfare    without
compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems. The IWRM Framework shall include an
enabling   environment   that   utilizes  proper  policies,   legal   instruments,   and   institutional
frameworks  for  effective  implementation,  participatory  and collaborative  water policy  and
management  decisions,  and  management  instruments   for  efficient  use  of  updated  and
accurate   data,   science-based   decision   support   systems,   proper   information,   education,
communication (IEC) programs,  assessment and allocation tools, or regulatory functions.  It
shall  observe  the  mutual  accountability  mechanism  among  stakeholders  at  the  national,
regional,   and   global   levels   reinforcing   multi-stakeholder   decision-making   following   a
framework with specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely actions.
(d)  Each  river basin  has  its  unique  characteristics  relating  to  the  physical,  socio  cultural,  and
other aspects, and water management shall be performed at river-basin levelg involving all the
stakeholders at that particular river basin.
(e)  Integrated and accurate data collection and analysis and the use of scientific decision support
systems  shall be undertaken in water resources management including flood modeling and
warring systems that are essential for an effective, efficient, and sustainable water resources
management system.
(I)   The  development  of water  resources  shall  include  strategies  for  the  mitigation  of water-
related hazards and climate change adaptation.
(g)  Water resources and services should be provided where they are intended and most needed so
that water is fairly and sustainably managed.
(h)  The proper operation and maintenance of waterworks systems resulting in the uninterrupted
and adequate supply and distribution of potable water for domestic and other purposes, and
the proper operation and maintenance  of sewerage  systems  which are  essential  services to
public health and safety, are to be ensured at all times. The State shall therefore supervise and
control the establishment, operation, and maintenance of such systems.
SEC 7. Ody.ccfz.vex a/ffoe Depar/me#J. -The Department shall:
(a)  Promote and adopt water demand management as  a national policy to ensure  that water is
optimized, that water efficiency and conservation become a way of life, that the recycling and


reuse of water and treated wastewater are widely practiced, that water is properly priced to
encourage efficient use and conservation and that rainwater, flood waters, and run-offs are
captured or harvested, stored, and treated for future use;
(b)  Prioritize and seek the immediate attainment of universal access to safe, adequate, affordable
and sustainable water supply and improved sanitation services for all Filipinos in a mamer
consistent with the protection, preservation, and revival of the quality of the country's water
resources, and to adopt all needed measures to advance the right of the people to a balanced
and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harinony of nature.
(c)  Strengthen  and  coordinate  integrated  water  resources  management  planning  and  policy
making to ensure sustainable and fair allocation and efficient use of water resources among
competing uses and users ;
(d)  Ensure that integrated water resources management is strongly coordinated with land use and
coastal and multi-hazard planning and management;
(e)  Develop sustainably, and manage water sources and water resources toward water security,
taking  into  consideration  water,  land,  and  related  resources  aimed  at  increasing  water
dependability  for  different  uses,  optimizing  economic  benefits  and  social  welfare  without
compromising the sustainability of vital environmental systems;
(0   Strengthen and coordinate policy making and planning towards ensuring the availability of
water for food security and energy security, as well as towards the protection of communities
and environments against flood and other water induced hazards including sediment hazards;
(g)  Ensure that the strategy for water resources development and conservation is participatory,
and that planners, policymakers and users including community members are involved at all
levels;
(h)  Develop  a  standardized pricing  framework  for water use  that  accounts  for  environmental
extemalities; and
(i)   Ensure  that  all  sources  of  water,  including  surface  water,  groundwater,  rainwater  and
floodwater are identified, mapped, monitored, conserved and managed for productive use and
the resulting wastewater is managed properly, reused, and responsibly disposed of following
approved environmental standards.
SEC.8. Powers a!#d Fw#c/I.o#s a/ffte Dcparfme#f. -The Department shall have the following
powers and functions:
I. Policymaking and Planning
(a)  Ensure  that  Integrated  Water  Resources  Management  (IWRM)  is  adopted  as  the  strategic
framework for water management policymaking and planning in the country and coordinate
the implementation, promotion, revision and enhancement of IWRM plans;
(b)  Fomulate policies, strategies, and targets in coordination with other relevant entities to meet
the   goals   and   objectives   for   water   supply   and   sanitation,   water   quality,   irrigation,
hydropower,  flood control,  stormwater utilization,  and urban drainage.  Such policies  shall,
among other guidelines,  integrate the  issues of water and sanitation,  food security,  energy,
environment and flood control, and climate change;
(c)  Formulate and develop policies to promote universal access to safe, adequate, affordable, and
sustainable water supply, and improved sanitation services for all Filipinos;


(d)  Regularly  update,  every  five  years  or as  deemed  necessary  by  the  Department,  and  in
consultation  with  other  agencies  and  stakeholders,  the  NWRMP  following  the  IWRM
framework and integrate therein a nationd land use plan;
(e)  Undertake river bisin  survey,  inventory and  appraisal  of water and  related  resources,  and
develop  comprehensive  basin-wide  plarB  of storage,  retardation,  and  control  to  maximize
conservation and multipurpose use of waer in the basin;
(D   Conduct   continuiQg   hydrological   and  hydrometeorological   Surveys   and   studies   of  the
country's renewatle water supply,  and tstablish,  operate,  and maintain observation station
networks with a view towards formulating long-term policies to balance the sustainability and
optimal multiple use of water resources, defining the hydrologie boundaries of basins of the
existing  water  supply  sources  and  developing  or updating  and  implementing  countrywide
comprehensive basin-wide master plans;
(g)  Strengthen and coordinate policy making and planning for flood management, integrated with
stormwater or urban drainage and appropriate retention or retarding basins in order to harvest
and reuse water, and to plan against, prevent, and minimize the detrimental and catastrophic
effects of flooding:
(h)  Assist  and  provide  the  National  Economic  and  Development Authority  OVEDA)  with  the
required data and input from the water sector in the formulation of the country's short-term
and long-term strategic development plans and actions, and recommend to the NEDA Board
the adoption of general policies and guidelines for water resources development;
(i)   Review,  approve,  and  provide  oversight  over  all  water-related  development  plans  and
programs of any agency within the context of the NWRMP, and overall national plans and
programs;
0)   Develop  and  implement,  in  coordination  with  other  relevant  agencies,  effective  codes,
standards,  benchmarks,  and  reasonable  guidelines  to  ensure  the  safety  of all  public  and
private  water  stmctures  in  the  country,  and  assure  efficiency  and  proper  quality  in  the
construction   of  water,   sanitation,   irrigation,   hydropower,   flood   control   and   drainage
infrasttucture;
(k)  Ensure  that  gender equality,  social  inclusion,  environmental  protection,  climate  resiliency,
and    disaster risk reduction  are  integrated  into  any  water resource  management planning,
policy making, and the design and construction of water infrastructure;
(I)   Ensure that the plaming and design of water infrastructure considers the highest efflciency
and  most  appropriate  technology  and  quality,  in  accordance  with  national  development
objectives;
(in) Review existing guidelines appropriate for private sector participation in the water sector and
submit recommendations to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of NEDA and other
concerned agencies to promote and enable more PPPs in the sector;
(n)  Build  a  central  repository  of water  data  and  effect  inter-sect{)ral,  inter-agency,  and  inter-
departmental  coordination  on  all  aspects  of  data  gathering  and  management  for  water
resources development planning and compel the submission of statistics  and data on water
utilization  with  the  aim  of  operationalizing  the  integrated  approach  to  water  resources
management;


(o)  Ensure  the  effective   implementation  of  all  the  provisions  of  Republic  Act  No.   9275,
Presidential  Decree  No.1067,  and  Sections  9,10,11,12  &  13,  Chapter 11  of Presidential
Decree No. 856, otherwise known as the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines;
(p)  Promote  Philippine participation  in  infomation  sharing  and education  on best practices  in
support  of  international  efforts  to  achieve  universal  access  to  safe  water  and  improved
sanitation; and the integration of water, energy, environment and food security; and
(q)  Issue and promulgate rules, regulations and guidelines as may be necessary to implem€mt and
enforce its powers and functions under this Act.
11. Resource Regulation
(a)  Manage  and  conserve  the  country's  water resources  to  ensure  the  optimal  use  thereof for
domestic  water  supply,  sanitation,  irrigation,  hydropower,  navigation,  flood  contrc>l,  and
recreation puxposes,  and enhance and maintain water quality,  conserve watersheds,  control
water pollution,  and restore the  environment, without compromising the natural ecosystem
functions and services;
(b)  Regulate   and   control   the   utilization,   abstraction,   diversion   and   development   of  water
resources, taking in consideration their equitable distribution among competing demands and
determine the standards of beneficial and priority uses of water in times of crisis and national
emergencies;
(c)  Formulate, promulgate, and enforce rules and regulations for the development and optimum
use  of water  resources  and  its  administration  and  management,  including  coherent  water
protocols,  operating  rules  of all  existing  and  future  water  infrastructure;  general  criteria,
methods  and  standards  for basic  data collection  and project identification,  formulation and
planning, and appropriate sanctions to be imposed for non-compliance;
(d)  Regularly review regulations prescribed by any government agency pertaining to water use,
exploitation,  development,  and  conservation  or protection  of waters,  water  resources,  and
watershed or basin areas with respect to this Act;
(e)  Impose fees or charges,  as may be deemed necessary for water resources conservation and
protection, such as:
(1)  Polluter's Fee, which shall be based on the net waste load depending on the wastewater
charge formula pursuant to Republic Act No. 9275;
(2)  Raw water price, which shall take into account, among others, the scarcity of watelf; and
(3)  Appropriate payment structures for environmental services.
(I)   Deputize  LGUs  to  collect the national  fees  or charges  for resource  regulation within their
respectivejurisdictions;
(g)  Collect, regularly update, monitor, and analyze water resources data including climatology,
hydrological  and other water-related data  and ensure that  such data is  easily  accessible by
relevant and authorized users;
a)  Establish,   operate,   and  maintain  observation  station  networks  and  a  centralized   water
resources  data  center  for  the  scientific  survey  and  appraisal  of surface  and  groundwater
potentials  of the  country,  and  determine  the  annual  renewable  water  available  per  water
resources region;


(i)   Maintain a database that will contain updated relevant information on water data which will
be accessible by relevant and authorized users;
0)   Develop and continuously update a computerized decision support system that incorporates
data  management  systems  relating  to  acquisition  and  database,  model  base  in  teims  of
physical   design,   planning   and  decision  models,   and  user-ffiendly  interface   concerning
graphical and visualization tools;
(k)  Conduct  and  promote  special  studies  and  research  on  water  economics  and  other  water
resources development and management issues and concerns such as climate change, weather
modification, flood monitoring and modeling, environmental quality, and desalination; and
(I)   Raise public awareness through information,  education and communications programs, and
build capacities for infomed participation in water resources management at the natiorial and
river-basin level.
Ill. Institutional Arrangement with Public Water Organizations
(a)  Develop guidelines including rules of partnership, between and among the Department, field
offices  of national  government  agencies,  LGUs  and  other  stakeholders  in  water  re.source
management,  and facilitate the establishment of multi-stakeholder river basin organizations
(RBOs)  per  river  basin,  and  strengthen  and  support  existing  RBOs  and  monitor  their
activities;
a)  Develop materials for capacity building and training of prospective RBOs;
(c)  Authorize its representatives or any deputized agent to enter any property of public dominion
with  or  without  prior  notice  and  consent,  any  private  land,  building  or  enclave,  whether
inhabited  or  not,   for  the  purpose  of  conducting  hydrologic   surveys  and  investigations,
including   assessing   and   evaluating   the   conditions   of   water   facilities   installed,   and
determining compliance with water laws and standards;
(d)  Provide technical assistance to water users  including farmers,  communities,  and LGUs and
other water service providers (WSP) whether directly or in coordination with other agencies
on all aspects of integrated water resources management;
(e)  Respond to consumer complaints, and ensure the adequate promotion of consumer interests;
(f)   Deputize agents, whether from the public or private sector, to assist in the performance of any
of the powers and functions of the Department;
(g)  Appoint,  hire,  and  maintain  adequate  staff  and  personnel,  advisers  or  consultants  with
suitable qualifications and experience, as necessary, subject to existing rules and regulations.
IV. Coordination
(a)  Coordinate  and  integrate  water resources  development  activities  of the  country within the
context of national plans and policies for social and economic development;
(b)  Coordinate with other government agencies,  universities,  academe  and private professional
groups  in  all  aspects  of data  gathering,  the  conduct  of special  studies  and research  on  all
related  aspects  of water  resources  management  and  development  such  as  climate  change,
environmental quality, desalination, and the development of operating strategies, procedures,
and protocols and accompanying computerized decision tools for major water facilities;


(c)  Coordinate  with  the  concerned  and relevant  agencies  engaged  in  flood  control,  flood  risk
management, and drought risk management; and
(d)  Coordinate proactively with LGUs to ensure the integration of water resources development
plans into their comprehensive land use plans (CLUPs), Comprehensive Developl'nent Plans
(CDPs) or Provincial Physical Framework and Development Plan (PPFDP).
V. Other Functions
(a)  Create, when necessary, water resource subsidiaries, instrumentalities, and entities to engage
in  water  transmission,  water  distribution,  waste  water  treatment  and  management,  and
sanitation in accordance with existing relevant laws.
(b)  Enter into contracts, joint venture agreements or understanding, public-private partnerships,
and  memorandum  of agreements  or understanding,  either  domestic  or  foreign,  relating  to
investment  and  financing  water-related  projects,  under  such  terms  and  conditions  as  the
Department may deem proper and reasonable subject to existing laws.
(c)  Exercise   such   other   powers   and   functions   necessary   or   incidental   to   the   effective
administration and management of the country' s water resources.
SEC. 9. Secre/c[ry a/ /fee Dep¢rtwe#f a/ W¢fer Resowrces'. -The authority and responsibility
for the exercise of the mandate of the Department and for the discharge of its powers and functions
shall be vested in the Secretary of the Department, hereinafter referred to as the Secretary, who shall:
(a)  Advise the President on the promulgation of executive or administrative orders, regulations,
proclamations   and   other   issuances   relative   to   matters   under   the   jurisdiction   of  the
Department;
a)  Establish  the  policies  and  standards  for  the  operation  of the  Department  pursuant  to  the
President' s guidelines;
(c)  Promulgate rules and regulations necessary to cany out the objectives, policies, and functions
of the Department;
(d)  Exercise supervision and control over all bureaus and offices under the Department;
(e)  Supervise all attached agencies and corporations in accordance with law;
(I)   Represent the Department in contracts, awards, and other similar agreements;
(g)  Delegate  authority  for  the  performance  of any  power  or  function,  as  defined  herein  to
officials and employees under his direction as deemed appropriate;
(h)  Act as the Chairperson of the governing board of the attached agencies of the Department;
(i)   Designate   and   appoint   officers   and   employees   of   the   Department,    excluding   the
Undersecretaries,  Assistant  Secretaries,  and  Regional  and  Assistant  Regional  Directors,  in
accordance with the civil service laws, rules and regulations; and
0)   Perform such other duties and responsibilities as may be provided by law.
SEC.  10.  Qorcc  a/ f„e Secrefczry.  -The  Office  of the  Secretary  shall  be  composed of the
Secretary, Undersecretary, Assistant Secretary and the Secretary' s immediate staff.


SEC.11.   U#dersccrefczrz'es.  -The  Secretary  shall  be  assisted  by  not  more  than  five  (5)
Undersecretaries, who shall be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Secretary
namely: Undersecretary for Resource Regulation and Governance, Undersecretary for Inland Waters
and Water for Agriculture, Undersecretary for Resource Development, Undersecretary for Planning
and Policy and Undersecretary for Missionary Water, Indigenous People, and Special Concerns.
The Secretary is hereby authorized to delineate and assign the respective functional areas of
responsibility   of  the  Undersecretaries   in   accordance  with  the  mandate   and  objectives   of  the
Department:   Provz.ded,   That   no   Undersecretary   shall   be   assigned   purely   to   administrative
responsibilities. Within their respective functional areas of responsibility, the Undersecretaries shall:
(a)  Advise and assist the Secretary in the formulation and implementation of the policies, plans,
programs and projects of the Department;
(b)  Supervise all the operational activities of the assigned units for which the Undersecretary is
responsible to the Secretary; and
(c)  Perfom  such  other  functions  deemed  necessary  as  may  be  assigned  or  delegated  by  the
Secretary to promote efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of public services or as may
be  required  by  law:  Provz.dad,  That  the  Undersecretary  for  Planning  and  Polic`y  shall,  in
coordination with the Planning and Policy  Service, be primarily responsible  for advancing
current efforts in attaining the ultimate goal of universal access to water supply and sanitation
systems, and sustainable management of water resources under the SDGs, and the integration
of water, energy, environment and food security.
SEC.   12.   Assistant  Secretaries.  -  The   Secretary  shall  be  assisted  by  six  (6)  Assistant
Secretaries  to  be  appointed  by  the  President  of the  Philippines  upon  the  recommendation  of the
Secretary:  one  each  for Plarming  and Policy  Service,  Decision  Support  System  Service>  Resource
Regulatory  Service,  Comptrollership  and  Financial  Management  Service,  Legal  and  Legislative
Service, and Administrative and Human Resources Management Service.
No  person  shall  be  appointed  Secretary,  Undersecretary  and  Assistant  Secretary  of  the
Department unless the person is a citizen and resident of the Philippines, of good moral character, of
proven integrity, competence,  and expertise  in water resource management: Provi.ded,  That at least
one  (1)  of the  Undersecretaries  and  at  least  two  (2)  of the  Assistant  Secretaries  shall  be  career
officers.
SEC.  13.  Orgr#z.zafro73a/ Sf7"cfrorc.  -The  Department  shall be  composed  of the  following
organizational units :
(a)  DepczrfroeHf  Prayer.  -  The  Department  shall  consist  of the  Office  of the  Secretary,  the
Offices  of the  Undersecretaries  and  Assistant  Secretaries,  the  Internal  Audit  Office,  the
Public  Affairs  Office,  the  Water  Pollution  Adjudication  Board,  the  Planning  and  Policy
Service,  Decision  Support  System  Service,  Administrative  and  Human  Resources  Service,
Legal and Legislative Service, Comptrollership and Financial Management Service, Resource
Regulation Service, and the Water Resources Regional Offices.
(b)  ,4ff¢cAed  ageHcl.es.  -  The  Department  shall  exercise  administrative  supervision  over  the
following  agencies   for  purposes   of  policy  and  program   coordination,   monitoring,   and
evaluation:
(1)  The   Local   Water  Utilities   Administration   (LWUA),   whose  mandate,   powers,   and
functions  are  defined  in  Presidential  Decree  No.  198,  otherwise  known  as  the  Ptcb/z.c
Wa/er  Ufo./I.fj.cs 4cj a/ J973,  ¢s  ¢mc#ded,  shall be transferred from the  Department of


Public  Works  and  Highways  and  attached  to  the  Department.  It  shall  continue  to
primarily function as a specialized lending institution for the promotion,  development,
and financing of local water utilities. In the implementation of its functions, the LWUA
shall:
(i)              prescribe minimum  standards  and regulations  in  order to  assure  acceptable
standards  of construction materials and supplies, maintenance,  operation,  personnel
training, accounting and fiscal practices for local water utilities;
(ii)              furnish technical assistance and personnel training programs for local  water
utilities;
(iii)            monitor and evaluate local water standards; and
(iv)            effect system integration, j oint investment and operation, district armexation
and   de-annexation  whenever  economically   warranted   as   amended  by   Sec.   22,
Presidential Decree No. 768.
(2)  The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), whose mandate, powers,
and  functions  are  defined under Republic  Act No.  6234,  as  amended  entitled, .4# ,4cf
Creating  The  Metropolitan  Waterworks  And  Sewerage  System  And  Dissolving  The
National  Waterworks  And  Sewerage Authority;  And  For  Other  Purposes, shall be Z]
transferred from the DPWH and attached to the Department: Prov!.did, That the MWSS
shall  continue  to  facilitate  the  exercise  by  the  concessionaires  of their  responsibility;
carry out accounting and notification functions;  monitor,  report,  and administer  loans;
perform related functions in connection with existing projects; manage and dispose its
retained assets; and manage and operate the Umiray-Angat Transbasin Project.
(3)  The National  Irrigation Administration  (NIA),  whose  mandate,  powers,  and  functions
are defined under Republic Act No.  3601  as amended by Presidential Decree No.  552
and 2 Presidential Decree No.  1702;
(4)  The   Laguna   Lake   Development  Authority   (LLDA),   whose   mandate,   powers   and
functions  are  defined  under  Republic  Act  No.  4850,   as  amended  entitled,  /172  f4c/
Creating The Laguna Lake Development Authority,  Prescribing Its  Powers,  Functions
And Duties,  Providing  Funds  Therefor,  And  For  Other  Puxposes  shall be transtened
from the DENR and attached to the Department.
The LLDA shall continue to serve as the lake management and development authority
similar   to    a   multi-stakeholder    river   basin    organization    and    shall    ensui.e    the
implementation  of  the  Laguna  Lake  Master  Plan  which  shall  be  updated  by  the
Department to ensure alignment with the NWRMP.
Any other agency performing water resources management, conservation and protection
functions may be transferred to the Department as the President deems necessary.
(c)  Offices, Functions and Personnel to be Completely Subsumed under the Department. -The
following    offices    with    their    powers,    functions,    personnel,    applicable    funds    and
appropriations, records, equipment, and property shall be subsumed under the Department:
( 1)  The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) with all its divisions and sections, whose
mandate,   powers   and   functions   are   provided   in   Presidential   Decree   No.   424,   as
amended;


(2)  The  River  Basin  Control  Office  (RBCO)  of the  DENR  whose  mandate,  powers  and
functions  are provided  in Executive  Order No.  510  and  Executive  Order No.  816,  as
amended;
(3)  The Manila Bay Coordinating Office (MBCO) of the DENR which was strengthened by
virtue of DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2011-01  to  coordinate the  efforts  of the
fourteen (14) national agencies covered by the Mandamus Order of the Supreme Court
to rehabilitate Manila Bay;
(4)  The   Water   Resources   Management   Division   of  the   Bureau   of  Soils   and   Water
Management of the Department of Agriculture (DA);
(5)  The  Water  Supply  and  Sanitation  Unit  of the  Department  of the  Interior  and  Local
Government (DILG); and
(6)  The  Water  Quality  Management  Section  of the  Environmental  Management  Bureau
(EMB) of the DENR.
(d)  Fw#c/!.o#s /a be rrcz#s/erred /a ffae Deparfme#f. - The following functions of the respective
agencies, bureaus, and units shall be transferred to the Department:
(I)  The   hydrological   surveys   and   groundwater  mapping   function   of  the   Mines   and
Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the DENR;
(2)  The hydrological surveys monitoring of stream flow and water data collection function
of the Bureau of Design and Bureau of Research and Standards of the DPWII;
(3)  The protection and conservation of natural wetlands such as lakes, marshes, swamps of
the Biodiversity Management Bureau of the DENR; and
(4)  The planning,  programming,  administration,  monitoring,  management  of the National
Sewerage and Septage Management Program (NSSMP) by the DPWH.
(5)  The  flood  management  planning  and  sediment  management  function  of  the  Flood
Control Management Cluster of the DPWH;
(6)  The Water Resource Management Division and the water research functions of the Soils
and Water Research Division of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management under the
DA. All soil-related functions shall be retained under the Bureau which shall be renamed
as the Bureau of Soils.
(e)  SwzxpoJ.f Servz.ces. -The Department shall create the following support services:
(I)  The P/cz##z.#g ¢#d Po/I.ey  Servi.cc  shall  provide  the  Department with the  capability  to
undertake  water  infrastructure   development  planning  and  programming,   and.  shall
exercise the following functions :
(i)              Advise the secretary on all matters relating to water resources planning;
(ii)             Assist the undersecretary for planning and policy on all matters related to
the specific functions of the position;
(iii)            Formulate  strategies  and  priorities  for  water  resources  management  and
development   consistent   with   national   development   objectives,   and   initiate   or
undertake relevant surveys for development planning;


(iv)            Develop  and  regularly  update  a  comprehensive  and  integrated  National
Water Resources Management Plan and ensure its integration into existing land use
plans;
(v)             Coordinate  river-basin  planning  following  the  integrated  water  resources
management framework and the river-basin approach;
(vi)            Formulate  or update  existing RIver Basin Master or comprehensive plans,
which  includes  all  aspects  of water  management  and  development  such  as  water
supply  and  sanitation,  irrigation,  flood  control  and  stormwater  or  urban  drainage,
drought  risk  management,  water  resource  development  systems  and  other  public
water works projects, including phasing of implementation;
(vii)           Identify,  based on  the  river basin master plan,  priority packages  for water
infrastructure   development   per   river  basin,   including   water   supply,   sanitatio:n,
irrigation, flood control and stormwater or urban drainage, drought risk management,
water  resource   development  systems  and  other  public  works  projects,  package
project proposals for funding and prioritize project implementation and the allocation
of funds and other resources and undertake or supervise and evaluate the conduct of
feasibility studies and proj ect preparation thereof;
(viii)          Evaluate  and  appraise  all  regional  and  inter-regional  infrastructure  water
development plans and programs as to their feasibility and consistency with approv€rd
strategies and medium and long -term plans;
(ix)            Gather, analyze, and organize needed statistical data and information;
(x)              Provide  technical  assistance  related  to  its  functions  to  the  other  services,
bureaus and the regional offices as needed;
(xi)            Conduct  hydrological  and  hydraulic  surveys  and  assessments  of  surface
Waters;
(xii)           Develop general criteria and standards on project investigation, fomulation,
planning;
(xiii)          Develop  guidelines  and  standards  on  social  inclusion  in  water  resources
management and ensure policies, programs and plans are compliant with the gender
and development framework of tbe government;
(xiv)          Coordinate closely with PAGASA for rainfall and other climate data which
shall be considered in the planning for water resources development and management
and for various water infrastructure; and
(xv)           Perform such functions and activities, as may be mandated by law, which are
necessary for the effective attainment of the abovementioned obj ectives.
(2)  The Decz.sj.o# Sttpporf Sys/em ServJ.ce shall provide the Department with water resource
management  tools  and computerized decision  support  system  that  incorporates  a  data
management  system  relating  to  acquisition  and  database  and  model  base  in  terms  of
physical design, planning and decision models including services related to networking,
data management, and information and knowledge or leaming management systems for
administrative and non-technical support It shall provide the Secretary timely reports ctn


the  status  of  various  Department  projects  and  activities.  For  this  puipose,  it  shall
exercise the following functions:
(i)              Provide the secretary the necessary data and processed information to aid in
policy and management decisions under the mandate of the Department;
(ii)              Publish  available  real-time  raw water  data as  well  as  verified  or validated
water data in print or electronic fom using latest internet technology;
(iii)            Conduct and publish in print and/or electronic  form,  standard data analysis
such as basic statistical analysis, trend analysis, analysis of runs, and cluster analysis;
(iv)            Develop and continuously update water resource management, computerized
decision support systems (DSS) that incorporate data management systems relating to
acquisition  and  database,  model  base  in  terms  of physical,  design,  planning  and
decision models, and user-friendly interface such as graphical and visualization tools.
The   DSS   is   composed   of:   I)   a   measurement   or   data   acquisition   system;   2)
information or database management system; 3) analytical and numerical models for
design,  planning,  decision or evaluation purposes,  and 4)  a user-friendly  interface,
which includes graphical interface or visualization tools.
(v)              Develop and maintain specific models to include the following:
a)    long-term climatologic and weather forecasting model;
b)   watershed models and river-flood plain models;
c)    groundwater models and coupled to surface water models;
d)   flood forecasting model for major rivers;
e)    optimization-simulation    management    models    for    watershed    conservation,
conjunctive   surface  and  groundwater  use,   irrigation  scheduling,  normal  and
emergency operations of multi-puxpose reservoirs; and
I)    water quality and ecological models.
(vi)            Develop and administer the management infomation system and knowledge
systems of the Department to:
a)    Retrieve,  process,  and  monitor  information  on  all projects  and  activities  in  the
web portal;
b)   Conduct  and  apply  systems  and  process  engineering,  software  development,
software configuration management;
c)    Develop and manage its corporate database, unified database for water industry,
data warehouse, other water information resources, library services and document
management and archiving services;
d)   Develop  and  manage  its  Information  and  Communications  Technology  (ICT)
infrastructure and ICT related-services including computer networking and voice
communications services and data exchange, and


e)    Manage the literacy and training services of the Department on various ICT and,
Knowledge  Management (KM) tools and applications, including information and
knowledge management.
(vii)           Perform such other related functions and activities which are necessary for
the effective administration of the management information and knowledge systems
of the Department.
(3)  The .4dmz.#I.sfrafz.ve  c¥#d frwmcz#  jzeso#rce  Servz.cc  shall  provide  the  Department  with
services   relating   to   human   resources   development,   personnel,   records,   facilities
maintenance, medical and dental, security, property and procurement services, and shall
exercise the following functions:
(i)               Advise  the  secretary  on  all  matters  relating  to  internal  administration  and
human resources management;
(ii)             Prepare and implement an integrated personnel development plan that shall
include  provisions   for  merit  promotions,  performance   evaluation,  job   rotation,
incentive awards systems, and health and welfare services;
(iii)            Provide   services   related   to   human   resource   training,    education   and
development including manpower, career planning and forecasting, and development
of indigenous training materials;
(iv)            Develop,  establish,  and  maintain  an  efficient  and  cost-effective  property
procurement system and facilities and coordinate or otherwise interface with relevant
agencies, whether government or private, for the purpose of developing or upgrading
the system;
(v)             Develop,  establish,  and maintain an efficient and  effective  security system
covering,   among   others,   personnel,   physical   installations,   facilities,   equipment,
documents and materials including the conduct of security investigations;
(vi)            Coordinate  with  the  appropriate  government  agencies  for  a  more  efficient
conduct of administrative processes;
(vii)           Develop, establish, and maintain an efficient records system;
(viii)          Provide  assistance  in  its  area  of specialization  to  the  Department  Proper,
bureaus   and   regional   and   water   district   offices   and,   when   requested,   to   the
government agencies and colporations attached to the Department; and
(ix)            Perform such other related functions  and activities  which are necessary for
the effective management of the resources of the  Department,  including its human
resources.
(4)  The fcg¢/ ¢#d I ear.si/¢fz.ve jt€se¢rcfe Servz.ce shall provide the Department with services
on  such  legal  affairs  as  contract  letting  and  litigation,  legal  and  legislative  research,
complaints  and  investigation,  legal  counselling  and  other  m&tters  of law,  and  shall
exercise the following functions :
(i)               Advise the secretary on all matters relating to legal and legislative affairs;


(ii)             Prepare Department contracts and legal instruments, review and interpret a,ll
contracts  and  agreements  entered  into  by  the  Department  and  evaluate  all  legal
proposals;
(iii)            Conduct   administrative   investigation   and   the   review   of  administrative
charges against officers and employees of the Department;
(iv)            Exercise functional I.urisdiction over the legal staffs of Regional offices;
(v)             Provide legal assistance to the Department proper, the bureaus and regional
offices and when requested, the attached corporations;
(vi)            Develop  and  prepare  the  Department's  Legislative  Agenda,  recommend
presidential certification of the urgency of priority water bills, and other water-related
legislation;
(vii)           Coordinate  and maintain  linkages between  and among the various  offices,
bureaus, regional  offices and attached agencies to the Department along with other
government  agencies  on  policy  matters  affecting  the  Department's  mandate  in
relation to legislation;
(viii)          Perfom  liaison  and  networking  activities  in  relation  to  the  enactment  ()f
related  laws  relating  to  water  resources  issues  in  legislative  policymaking  bodies
such as the Senate of the Philippines, the House of Representatives, and the various
Sanggunians;
(ix)            Monitor the progress of the Dapartment's priority or certified bills to ensure
their passage; and
(x)             Perform such functions and activities, as may be mandated by law, which are
necessary for the effective performance of the abovementioned obj ectives.
(5) The Comptrollership and Financial Management Service shall provide the Daparfue{at
with  coordinated  services  relating  to  financial  systems  and procedures,  budget,  cash,
accounting  and  all  financial  housekeeping  matters,  and  shall  exercise  the  following
functions:
(i)              Advise the secretary on all matters relating to the accounting of government
expenditures  and  receipts,  budgeting  and  cash  management,  project  finances  and
fmancial systems and procedures;
(ii)             Prepare   budget   proposals    and   pursue    formal    budget   authorizations,
undertake  budget  execution,  and prepare  and  submit  all  appropriate  reports  to  the
proper offices;
(iii)            Develop and maintain accounting, financial and assets management systems,
procedures and practices in the Department Proper, Bureaus and Regional Offices;
(iv)            Review and appraise systems and procedures, organizational structure, assets
management  practices,  accounting,  and  other  records,  reports,  and  performance
standards  such  as  budgets  and  standard  costs  of  the  Department,  bureaus,  and
regional offices ;


(v)             Provide assistance in its area of specialization to any unit of the Department
and,  when  requested,  to  government  corporations  and  councils  attached  to  the
Department; and
(vi)            Perform such other related functions and activities which are necessary for
the effective financial management of the Department.
(6)  The Res'owrce Regw/a/i.o#  Serv!.ce  shall  provide  the  Department  with  services  for  the
effective  regulation  of all  water-related  services  and  activities  and  shall  exercise  the
following functions :
(i)              Advise the secretary on all matters relating to resource regulations;
(ii)             Determine, grant and regulate water rights for the appropriate, optimal and
sustainable use of surface and ground water;
(iii)            Determine  and  evaluate  waterworks  and  sewerage  licenses,  and  submit
evaluation results to the Water Regulatory Commission for the latter's consideration
in granting of licenses;
(iv)            Investigate violations of the water rights and the water code, and impose the
appropriate sanctions in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations as well
as future rules and regulations which the Department shall promulgate;
(v)              Adjudicate water use conflicts; and
(vi)            Perfom such other related functions and activities which are necessary for
the effective regulation of water-related services.
(7)  The  /#fer#cz/ £4#di./  Servz.ce  shall  regularly  conduct  a  comprehensive  audit  of various
Department activities and shall exercise the following functions:
(i)              Advise  the  Secretary  on  all  matters  relating  to  management  control  and
operations audit;
(ii)             Conduct  a  performance  audit  of  the  management  and  operations  of  the
Department, its activities, the performance of all units, and determine the degree of
compliance  of all  operating  units  with  established  objectives,  policies,  standards,
methods and procedures, government regulations and contractual obligations of the
Department;
(iii)            Review and appraise systems and procedures, organizational structure, assets
management  practices,  accounting  and  other  records,  and  performance  standards
such as budgets and standard costs of the Department Proper, bureaus and regional
offices;
(iv)            Analyze  and  evaluate  management  deficiencies  and  recommend  realistic
courses of action; and
(v)             Perfom such functions and activities, as may be mandated by law, which are
necessary for the effective performance of the abovementioned obj ectives.
(8)  The P%b/I.c i4jr¢z.r6' Servf.ce  shall  enhance  relations  with  all  stakeholders  including the
media,  for the  effective  dissemination  of information relating  to  water-related  issues,
including important announcements on policies and activities of the department that is of
interest to the general public. It shall ensure that women, men, elderly, and people with


disabilities  shall  be  consulted,  organized  and  take  active  part  in  all  aspects  of water
resources  development and management activities.  It shall  also  lead the plarming  and
organizing of special events, and shall exercise the following functions:
(i)               Public Awareness
a)    Advise the Secretary on matters pertaining to public affairs;
b)   Develop  and  supervise  the  implementation  of comprehensible  communications
programs on relevant policies, programs and plans of the Department;
c)    Produce and supervise the dissemination of communication materials in line with
the  priorities  of  the  Department  and  national  government  public  information
programs;
d)   Conduct public opinion and attitude surveys to identify the interests and concerns
of the stakeholders of the Department;
e)    Establish  policies  on  the  presentation  and  publication  of  the  content  of  the
communication materials for dissemination to print and broadcast media;
f)    Establish and maintain linkages with the tri-media and a presence in social media;
g)   Coordinate the conduct of interviews and news conferences;
h)   Make public announcements on matters relating to the work and activities of the
Department through the print and broadcast media, either through press releases
or live interviews;
i)    Coordinate  with  various  Department units,  concerned government  agencies,  tri-
media   and   other   stakeholders   on   matters   related   to   the   above-enumerated
functions; and
j)    Coordinate with the appropriate national government agencies involved in public
information affairs.
(ii)             Promote particip ation
a)    Conduct public consultations and discussions;
b)   Develop  and  disseminate  relevant  and  appropriate  materials  and  programs  for
public information and education, as well as advocacy campaign;
c)    Conduct seminars and workshops involving the LGUs and the general public on
current water issues and problems; and
d)   Conduct   capability   building   seminars   of   various   stakeholders   to   promote
meaningful    participation    in    the    Department's    policy    making,    planning,
development and implementation of various programs and projects.
(iii)             Special Events
a)    Coordinate the organization and promotion of special events and water exhibits;
b)   Act as the focal office for all water related events; and


c)    Perform  such  functions  and  activities,  as  may  be  mandated  by  law,  which  are
necessary for the effective performance of the abovementioned obj ectives.
®  Bwre¢ws.  - The Department  shall  create bureaus which  shall  each  be headed by a  Bureau
Director. The Bureau Director shall be responsible for the efficient and effective discharge of
the  functions  of the  Bureau  concerned.  The  Bureau  Director  shall  be  assisted  by  one  (1)
Assistant Director.
(1 )  Bwretzw a/F/ood Co#/ro/ ¢#d Dr¢j.#¢ge shall plan and design flood control and drainage
structures and facilities in accordance with technical standards, guidelines and manuals.
For this purpose, it shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
(i)              Formulate policy, strategies, and programs on flood risk management in the
context of integrated flood management (IFM), which integrates water, land, coastal
zone,  and  multi-hazard  management.  In  integrating  land  use  planning  and  water
management,  the  Department  shall  harmonize  and  synthesize  plans  to  enat)le  the
sharing of information between land-use planning and water management authorities.
In this regard,  a holistic  approach shall be adopted by making the IFM a part of a
wider risk or multi-hazard management system that includes earthquakes, landslides,
fires, tsunami, and other calamities of the same gravity or nature;
(ii)             Integrate  climate  change  and  disaster  risk  reduction  and  management  in
policies and plans;
(iii)            Prepare  master plans  of flood management  and drainage  in river basins  in
coordination with the concerned water resources region and river basin organizations;
(iv)            Prepare master plans for urban drainage in cities and municipalities;
(v)             Prepare feasibility studies of recommended measures in the master plans;
(vi)            Plan and design structural measures for flood control and drainage;
(vii)           Implement and collaborate with concerned agencies on the formulation and
adoption of non-structural measures for flood control and drainage;
(viii)          Patrol and investigate rivers, and monitor stream flows;
(ix)            Conduct post-disaster investigation  and evaluation and damage  assessment
of flood infrastructures after extreme events;
(x)              Conduct research and development on water and sediment-related disasters;
(xi)            Develop  design  guidelines,  criteria,  and  standards  on  flood  control  and
drainage structures;
(xii)           Provide    technical    assistance    to    other    agencies,    LGUs,    and    other
stakeholders;
(xiii)          Advise  the   Secretary  on  declaring  flood  control  areas  and  recommend
guidelines for flood plain management plans in these areas; and
(xiv)          Perforln   such   related   activities   which   are   necessary   for   the   effective
performance of its functions.


(2)  B"reaw  a/  Wc}fer  gw¢/I.fy  Mcz#¢ge"e#/  shall  supervise  and  exercise  control  over  a.11
aspects of water quality management to ensure the sustainability of the country's water
resources and the protection of the environment. It should take into account proper and
integrated treatment  of freshwater and wastewater within  the  whole  process.  For this
purpose, the Bureau shall exercise the following functions:
(i)              Establish  water  quality  guidelines  for  freshwater  and  coastal  or  marine
waters  as  basis  for  classifying  water  bodies  in  the  country.  Specifically,  develcip
water quality indices or composite metrics to measure the quality status and health {]f
natural water bodies in relation to ecological integrity and function;
(ii)             Establish effluent standards for point discharges to receiving bodies of water;
(iii)            Establish intemationally accepted procedures for sampling and analysis;
(iv)            Prepare an integrated water quality management framework;
(v)             Prepare the ten-year water quality management plans for each water quality
management  area  as  part  of the  River  Basin  Master  Plans  and  in  support  of the
NW"P;
(vi)            Classify    groundwater    sources    and    prepare    a    national    groundwater
vulnerability map;
(vii)           Classify  or reclassify  all  water bodies  according  to their beneficial usages
using the established water quality guidelines established;
(viii)          Issue  permits,  clearances,  and  similar  instruments  pursuant  to  the  CJea!#
Water Act Of 2004.,
(ix)            Collect the wastewater discharge fees for all permittees;
(x)             Monitor  the  compliance  of  water  discharge  permittees  with  the  effluent
standards;
(xi)            Regularly monitor the water quality of major water bodies in the country and
analyze the data to identify possible sources of pollution;
(xii)           Issue notices of violations and/or cease and desist orders for those found in
violation;
(xiii)          File the needed cases against violators with the water pollution Adjudication
Board (WPAB);
(xiv)          Serve as secretariat of the WPAB; and
(xv)           Perform such functions and activities, as may be mandated by law, which are
necessary for the effective performance of the abovementioned obj ectives.
(3)  A  W¢/er Resowrces jtegr.o#¢/  Oj7;ce  (WRRO)  shall  be  organized  per water resources
rDeg;:::ne:ts::]t`h:ef]ree[Sdp:envs:P,i:xf::pftmfi::epmo:fct#8at£:gin:#:hte3t?[°bwee:SesTegg:i::;:nf:£:
Department. The formulation of the master plan for the nearby river basins such as the


Pasig-Marikina-Laguna Lake-Cavite, shall be the responsibility of the Department. Each
WRRO shall perform the following duties and responsibilities:
(i)              Formulate  or update  and  coordinate  the  river basin  master  plans  for  river
basins   within   its  jurisdictions   ensuring   consistency   with   the   National   Water
Resources Management Framework Plan;
(ii)             Advocate   and   strongly   support  the   creation   and   functioning   of  multi-
stakeholder river basin organizations (RBOs) and serve as the secretariat of the said
RBOs;
(iii)            Undertake and evaluate the planning, design, and work supervision functions
of the Department for the water infrastructures within the region;
(iv)            Ensure the implementation of laws, policies, programs, rules and regulations
regarding the  abovementioned  infrastructure  as well as public  and privat,e physical
structures;
(v)              Provide  technical  assistance  related to  the  water-related  functions  of other
agencies within the region especially the local government;
(vi)            Coordinate with other departments, agencies, institutions and organizations,
especially    local    government    units    within   the    region   in   the   planning    and
implementation of the river 4 basin master plans;
(vii)           Conduct   consultations    with   the    local    communities,    take   appropriate
measures   to   ensure   that   the   services   of  the   Department   are   responsive,   and
recommend such appropriate actions as may be necessary; and
(viii)          Perform such functions and activities, as may be mandated by law, which are
necessary for the effective performance of the abovementioned objectives.
The Department shall retain existing Project Management Offices as may be required, which
shall be under the supervision and control of the appropriate Water Resources Regional Office unless
otherwise  determined by the  Secretary for reasons  of supra- regional  scope, magnitude  and multi-
functional coverage.
Each  Water  Resources  Regional  Office  shall  be  headed  by  a  Water  Resources  Regional
Director  who  shall  be  responsible   for  efficiently   and  effectively  canying  out  the  duties  and
responsibilities of the Office. Towards this end, the Water Resources Regional Director shall exercise
functional and administrative supervision over all units within the region and is authorized to commit
resources and assign personnel to integrated regional water resources management, water supply and
sanitation   management,   and   flood  control   and   flood  risk  management   initiatives.   The   Water
Resources Regional Director shall also perform such other related duties and responsibilities as may
be assigned or delegated by the Secretary or as may be required by law.
The  Water  Resources  Regional  Director  shall  be  assisted  by  two  (2)  Assistant  Water
Resources  Regional  Office  Directors who  shall exercise  supervision over (1) the planning, project
design and evaluation function and (2) technical assistance to the River Basin Organizations within
the water resources region.
SEC.  14.  Wr¢/er Po//wfz.o# j4/jwdz.ca/jo# Bocrrd. -There is hereby created a Water Pollution
Adjudication Board under the Office of the Secretary. The Board shall be composed of the Secretary
as  Chairperson,  two  (2)  Undersecretaries  as  may  be  designated  by  the  Secretary,  the  Director  of


Water Quality Management Bureau, and three (3) other representatives from other stakeholders to be
designated by the Secretary as members.
The  Board  shall  assume  the  powers  and  functions  of  the  National  Pollution  Control
Commission with respect to the adjudication of water pollution cases under Republic Act No.  3931
entitled, An Act Creating The National  Water And Air Pollution  Control  Commission, Presiden+ial
Dear:ee 984 e"rfulhed Providing For The Revision off Republic Act No. 3931, Commonly Known as the
Po//wfz.o# Co#tro/ Law, .4#d For Offeer P#rposes, particularly with respect to Section 6 letters e, f, g,
j,  k  and  Republic  Act  No.  9275.  The  Bureau  of Water  Quality  Management  shall  serve  as  the
Secretariat of the Board.  These powers and functions may be delegated to the field officers of the
Department in accordance with rules and regulations to be promulgated by the Board.
CHAPTHR Ill
INTHRDEPARTMENTAL RELATIONS AND INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGHMEINTS OF
THE DEPARTRENT
SBC. \5 . Interface and Institutional Arrangements with Other Agencies . -
(a)  The Department of Health (DOH) shall continue to have primary authority and responsibility
for setting and enforcing drinking water quality standards.  The Department shall coordinate
with the DOH in this aspect, and shall ensure consistency of standards and targets, as well as
the compliance of permittees with mandated standards;
(b)  The  Department  of Environment  and  Natural  Resources  (DENR)  shall  continue  to  have
primary  authority  and  responsibility  for  protecting  the  environment  and  managing  the
country' s watersheds;
(c)  The Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Power Corporation (NPC) shall continue
to  have  primary  authority  and  responsibility  for  establishing  and  operating  hydropower
plants,  but  shall  ensure  that  hydropower  plant  development  plans  are  consistent  with  the
National Water Development and Management Plan;
(d)  The Department shall coordinate with the DA to ensure agricultural development that reduces
long-term  pollution  for  surface  water  and  groundwater,  and  agricultural  and  industrial
economic  development  that  employs  water  efficiency,  water  recycling  or  reuse,  and  the
appropriate treatment of wastewater;
(e)  The  Department  shall  coordinate  with  the  National  Disaster  Risk  Reduction  Management
Council  (NDRRMC)  to  ensure  that  its  plans  and  designs  for  flood  control,  flood  risk
management and drought risk management are aligned with the objectives and plans of the
Department;
(f)   The  Department  shall  coordinate  with  Climate  Change  Conrission  (CCC),  Philippine
Atmospheric,   Geophysical   and   Astronomical   Services   Administration   (PAGASA),   and
National  Mapping  and  Resource  Information  Authority  (NAMRIA)  for  scientific  studies,
integrated surveys, mapping, charting, and decision support systems;
(g)  The Department shall coordinate with the Department of Tourism (DOT) on recreational use
of water resources;
(h)  The Department shall  coordinate with the Philippine  Reclamation Authority  and economic
zone authorities on water resources development and water requirements within reclamation
areas and economic zones, respectively; and


(i)   The   Department   shall   coordinate   with   relevant   government   agencies,   including   local
government  units  (LGUs),  with  respect  to  development  projects  and  shall  ensure  cross-
cutting  collaboration  between  and  among  all  water  subsectors  and  facilitate  inter-agency
subsector   coordination,   strategic   development,   plarming,   monitoring   and   provision   of
technical, institutional and financial capacity building support to their different stakeholders
at the water subsector level.
SEC.  16. IV¢JI.o#¢/  W¢fer Secfor Po/I.c); Board. -The National Water Sector Policy Board
O{WSPB)  shall  be  created  and  shall  be  headed  by  the  Secretary  of the  Department  of  Water
Resources  with  the  Secretary  of the National  Economic  and Development Authority  as  the  Vice-
Chairperson, and the Secretaries of the DOH, DILG, DOE, DA, Department of Social Welfare and
Development; DPWH; Department of Budget and Management (DBM); Office of the President, and
DENR, and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples as members. The Department shall provide
personnel to serve as Secretariat to the Board.
S;EC. 17 . Powers  and Functions Of the National Water Sector Poliey Board -The RTWSPB
shall  perform  policymcking,   coordination,   integration,   supervision,   monitoring,   and   evaluation
functions, and shall have the following responsibilities :
(a)  Approve the NWRMP which shall serve as a principal guide to water management efforts in
20  the  country  and  shall  be reviewed  every  five  (5)-years  interval,  or  as  may be  deemed
necessary, in order to ensure its relevance to the times;
(b)  Provide  overall  policy  direction  and  recommend  policies  on  water  resources  requiring
Presidential decision;
(c)  Advise  the  President  on  the  status  of water  management  and  supply,  recommend  to  the
President the declaration of a state calamity in areas affected by water supply,  and submit
proposals to restore normalcy in the affected areas;
(d)  Ensure   multi-stakeholder   participation   in   the   development,   updating,   and   sharing   of
information system as policy, planning and decision-making tools consistent with IWRM.
SEC.18. 7ra#s/er a/Rz.gftts a#d Ob/I.grrz.o"s'. -The Department shall, by virtue of this Act, be
subrogated to  all  the  rights  and  assume  all  the  obligations  of the  government  agencies  and  units
whose   powers   and   functions   have   been   subsumed,   absorbed,   transferred   or  attached   to   the
Department in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission on Audit, and the Civil
Service  Commission,  and  other  applicable  laws.  The  transfer  of powers  and  functions  as  herein
provided shall take effect within six (6) months of the effectivity of this Act.  As such. all affected
agencies, offlces, units shall continue to function under their present mandates.
CRAPTER IV
WATER REGULATORY COMMISSION
SEC.19.  Wr¢fer Rear/¢fory  Comm!.ssr.o#.  -There  is  hereby  created  and  established  as  an
independent,  quasi-judicial  regulatory  body  to  be  known  as  the  Water  Regulatory  Commission,
hereinafter referred to as the Coininission, which shall be organized within one hundred twenty (120)
days after the effectivity of this Act.
The Commission shall be placed under the administrative supervision of the Department as
an attached agency.
The Commission shall have a Board of Commissioners, and shall be vested with powers and
functions, as conferred and set forth hereunder.


SEC. 20.  77!e Regr4/afory U#J.ts. -The regulatory units of the Commission shall be composed
of the central regulatory unit and the regional regulatory units.
The economic regulatory units and functions of the MWSS, NWRB, LWUA, SBMA, PEZA,
and  TIEZA  are  hereby  transferred  to  the  Commission,  and  shall  collectively  comprise  its  central
regulatory unit for water supply and sanitation services that:  (a) provide services to more than one
province;  and  a)  are  owned,  operated  and/or  maintained  by  special  economic  zones  and  Metro
Manila concessionaires.
The regional regulatory units shall be established by the Commission in accordance with this
Act and the rules, regulations, guidelines, and standards that the Commission shall issue.
SEC.  21.  Powe7is cz#d Fw#cfz.o#s' a/{fae  Commz.ssl.o#. -The overall authority and powers of
the Commission shall cover and apply to all service providers, whether private or public, providing or
intending to provide  levels  11 & Ill water supply,  including suppliers to  subdivisions  and /or other
service providers, sewerage, and/or septage treatment and disposal services for domestic, residential,
institutional, industrial or commercial use.
The Commission shall exercise the following powers and functions:
(a)  Issue and promulgate rules, regulations and guidelines as may be necessary to implement and
enforce its powers and functions under this Act;
(b)  Promulgate   and   enforce   just   and   reasonable   technical   standards,   classifications   and
measurements of service;
(c)  Establish rules and regulations to monitor, avoid, and provide remedies for any market power
abuse or anti-competitive or discriminatory act or behavior by or against any participant in
the water supply and sanitation sector. Upon finding that a market participant has engaged in,
or has fallen victim to such act or behavior, the Commission shall act to stop or redress the
same.   Such  remedies  may,  without  limitation,  include  the  imposition  of price  controls,
issuance   of  injunctions,   requirement  of  divestment   or  disgorgement  of  excess  profits,
invalidation of contracts and imposition of fines and penalties pursuant to this Act.
(d)  Adopt and require that books, records,  and accounts be kept and maintained in accordance
with the prescribed uniform accounting system;
(e)  Fix  and  determine  proper  and  adequate  rates  of depreciation  of properties  and  equipment
used in water supply and sanitation services;
(f)   Impose  and  collect armual  levies  determined  as  a percentage  of gross revenue  accruing  in
relation to the licensed activities, and reasonable fees and surcharges as may be necessary for
achieving the purposes, powers and functions of the Commission;
(g)  Require the submission reports of finances and operations, verified under oaths by the owner
or president and secretary of the board of the licensee;
(h)  Determine  and  require  the  monitoring  and  submission  of  such  data,  statistics  and  other
information from the regulatory units and any or all licensees as may be necessary for the
effective and efficient exercise of its duties, functions, powers and responsibilities;
(i)   Investigate, mo fro prapz.a or upon a written complaint, any matter concerning the operation of
the service and issues on price manipulation and anti-competitive behavior;


¢)   Impose  penalties  and  fines  against  any  licensee  or  against  its  owners,  directors,  officers,
agents or representatives for any violation of this Act or of the license, order, rule regulation
or requirement issued by the Commission;
(k)  Require  any  licensee  to  pay  the  actual  expenses  incured  by  the  Commission  in  any
investigation if it shall be found that a licensee violated any provision of this Act or of the
license, order, rule regulation or requirement issued by the Commission;
(I)   Advise,   apprise   and   coordinate  with   other  relevant   agencies   of  the  national   or  local
government on any matter relating to water supply and sanitation services;
(in) Deputize agents, whether from the public or private sector, to assist in the performance of any
of the powers and functions of the Commission;
(n)  Appoint an interim or temporary management committee upon appeal and after due hearing,
to ensure continuity of service in case a licensee fails to meet conditions of the license and
the concerned Regulatory Unit fails or refuses to appoint an interim management committee
as provided in the following section;
(o)  Appoint,  hire  and  maintain  adequate  staff  and  personnel,  advisers.  or  consultants,  with
suitable qualifications and experience, as necessary;
(p)  Exercise  original  and  exclusive jurisdiction over all  cases  contesting  rates,  fees,  fines  and
penalties  imposed  by  the  regulatory  units  in  the  exercise  of their  powers,  functions  and
responsibilities, as provided under this Act, and over all cases involving disputes between and
among participants or stakeholders in the water supply and sanitation services; and
(q)  Such other incidental powers and functions as may be necessary to attain the objectives of
this Act.
SBC.  22.  Powers  and  Functions  Of the  Regulatory  Units.  -  The  regulzitory  units  of the
Commission shall have the following powers and functions:
(a)  Issue  licenses  authorizing  the  operation  of  water  supply  and  sanitation  services  in  any
specified area or areas within the Philippines;
(b)  Impose   fines,   charges   and  other  penalties   upon  any  provider  and/or  its   officers   and
stockholders  who  shall  fail  or refuse  to  register  or  obtain  a  license  prior  to  operation  or
commencement of business, as provided hereunder;
(c)  Review,  determine,  fix,  and approve,  consistent  with the  rules,  guidelines,  procedures  and
methodologies  which  the  Commission  shall  provide,  proposed  water  and  sewerage  and
septage   management  tariffs,   rates   and  charges   that  licensees  may   impose  upon   their
consumers;
(d)  Appraise and value property and equipment used by licensees in providing water supply and
sanitation services;
(e)  Enforce  technical,  financial,  and  other  performance  standards  set  by  the  Commission  for
licensees or utilities;
(I)   Respond to consumer complaints and ensure the adequate promotion of consumer interests
and investigate mo/zt prapz.a price manipulation and anti-competitive behavior;


(g)  Investigate accidents directly or indirectly arising from or connected with the maintenance or
operation of the service, and make such order or recommendation as the public interest may
warrant;
(h)  Require the review and/or approval of contracts or agreements that may impact on the tariff
and rates of service provision entered into by service providers upon petition or "or# ,prapl.a
where in its determination public interest so dictates;
(i)   Require the  submission of reports, plans,  and other documents that define the performance
targets of the licensees or utilities, and regular accomplishment reports;
¢)   Impose and collect  annual  levies  determined as  a percentage  of gross  revenue  accniing  in
relation to the licensed activities, and reasonable fees and surcharges as may be necessary for
achieving the purposes, powers, and functions of the regulator;
(k)  Conduct  benchmarking  and  monitor  the  performance  of licensees  or  utilities  under  their
jurisdiction, and publish reports detailing the results thereof, as may be necessary or required
by the Commission;
(1)   Amend, modify, suspend, or revoke any license issued by them, after due notice and hearing,
on any of the following grounds:
(1)  when the facts and circumstances on the strength of which the license was issued have
been materially misrepresented or have materially changed;
(2)  where the licensee has failed to meet or comply with terns, conditions, and performance
targets,  including but not  limited to  service  expansion,  that may have been  set  in  the
license;
(3)  where the licensee is found to be manifestly inefficient in the operation of or pr{>vision
of water supply and sanitation services in its area; or
(4)  when the  licensee  thereof has violated or willfully refused to  comply with  any  order,
mle or regulation of the Commission or any provision of this Act;
(in) Appoint an interim management committee to ensure continuity of service in case a licensee
fails to meet the conditions of the license; and
(n)  Submit perfomance plans and reports as required by the Commission.
SEC;. I3 . Composition Of the Water Regulatory Commission. -
(a)  The Commission shall be a collegial body composed of five (5) full-time members consisting
of a Chairperson and four (4) members, who shall all be appointed by the President of the
Philippines.   All   members   of  the   Commission   must   be   citizens   and   residents   of  the
Philippines, at least thirty five (35) years of age, and of good moral character, of recognized
integrity  and  competence  in the  field  of law,  business,  commerce,  finance,  accounting  or
public  administration,  water  or  utility  economics,  management,  physical  or  engineering
services,   hydrology  and  other related  services,  with  at least three  (3)  years  of actual  and
distinguished experience in their respective fields of expertise: Provided, That out of the four
(4) members of the Commission, at least one (1) shall be a member of the Philippine Bar with
at least ten (10) years of experience in the active practice of law, and at least one (1) shall be
a certified public accountant with at least ten (10) years of experience in active practice.


(b)  The term of office of each member of the Commission shall be  seven (7) years:  Provided,
That among the members flrst appointed, the Chairperson shall serve for a period of seven (7)
years,  two  (2) members  shall  serve  for five (5) years and the other two (2) members  shall
serve  for three  (3)  years:  Provided  further,  That  any  member whose  term  has  expired  as
specified herein shall serve as such until a successor shall have been appointed and qualified:
Provided furthermore, That any appointment to fill a vacancy in the Commission arising from
death,  removal,  retirement  or  resignation  shall  be  made  only  for  the  unexpired  term:
Provided, finally, That in no case shall any member serve for more than seven (7) years in the
Cormission.
(c)  The  Commission  shall  meet  as  often  as  may  be  necessary  on  such  day  or  days  as  the
Chaixperson may  fix.  The presence  of at least three  (3)  members  of the  Commission  shall
constitute  a  quorum,  which  shall  be  necessary  for  the  transaction  of any  business.  The
affirmative vote of majority of the members of the Commission where a quorum is present
shall  be necessary for the  adoption  of any  order,  resolution,  decisions,  or other  act of the
Commission in the  exercise of its  quasi-judicial  functions:  Provided,  That in promulgating
rules, regulations, guidelines and in exercising its quasi-legislative functions, an affirmative
vote of three (3) members shall be required.
(d)  The Chairperson of the Commission shall exercise general executive control and supervision
over  the  Commission  aird  its  members,  staff  and  persomel,  agents  and  representatives.
Within three  (3)  months  from the  creation of the Commission and the  appointment of all
Members    of   the    Commission,   the    Chairperson   shall   determine   and   establish   the
organizational   structure  and  plantilla  positions  necessary  to  cany  out  the  powers  and
functions of the Commission,  including those of the central and provincial regulatory units
subject to the review and approval of the DBM.
The  plantilla  positions  of  the  Commission  shall  be   filled  by  regular  appointments  in
accordance with Civil Service laws, rules, and regulations. Members of the Commission shall
enjoy security of tenure and shall not be suspended or removed from office except for just
cause as specified by law.
(e)  The Chairperson and members of the Commission or any of their relatives within the fourth
civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, legitimate or common law, shall be prohibited from
holding  any  interest whatsoever,  either as  investor,  stockholder,  officer or director,  in any
company   or   entity   engaged   in   provision   of  water   supply   and   distribution,   septage
management  and  sewerage   services   and  must,   therefore,   divest  through  sale  or  legal
disposition of any and all interests in the water sector upon assumption to office.
SEC.  24.  Secref¢rz.af  a/ !Ae  Commissj.o#.  -  The  Commission  shall  establish  a  Secretariat
which shall provide the Commission with technical and support services including the following:
(a)  Provide the necessary technical inputs and secretariat support to the Commission to facilitate
the conduct of its functions;
(b)  Coordinate with Regulatory Units to ensure proper implementation of the rules, regulations
and guidelines promulgated by the Commission;
(c)  Monitor  and  assess  activities  of  the  Regulatory  Units  vis-a-vis  their  respective  annual
performance plans and targets;
(d)  Maintain a database on the water supply and sanitation subsector; and
(e)  Coordinate with other relevant agencies of the national  or local government on any matter
relating to water supply and sanitation.


SEC.  25. Erecw/I.ve Dj.rcc/or.  - The  Commission shall  appoint an  Executive  Director who
shall head the Commission  Secretariat,  keep  and maintain the official records  of the  Commission,
render a report on the  proceedings  of the  Commission,  and administer oaths  in all  matters  falling
within the jurisdiction of the Commission.
The Executive Director shall be responsible for the effective implementation of the policies,
plans, programs, rules, regulations  and directives of the Commission;  coordinate and supervise the
activities of the different operating units under the Commission; and perform such functions as may
be assigned by the Chairperson and/or other members of the Commission.
SEC. 26.  Compe#s`¢/I.o# ¢7®d O/feer Emo/w"e#ts. - The compensation of the members of the
Commission  and  its  staff  shall  conform  to  provisions  of  Republic  Act  No.  6758  as  amended,
othe:rwise lrmo;`wn as tine Compensation and Position Classification Act of 1989 .
CHAPTER V
REGISTRATION ANI) LICENSING
SEC. Z] . Registration and Licensing Of All Water Supply and Sanitation Services . -A;Il wa;tor
supply and sanitation service providers, including bulk water suppliers and those providing services
to subdivisions and other service providers, shall register with the Commission and, subject to such
rules, guidelines, procedures and other issuances of the Commission, obtain a license to operate from
the appropriate regulatory units.
The Commission shall ensure that the grant and revocation of licenses are carried out fairly,
transparently, and without discrimination. Issuances of the Commission shall specify, among others,
the qualifications, requirements, and procedure for the grant and revocation of licenses including the
standards and performance targets that shall continuously be complied with to keep the licenses valid.
Unless  otherwise provided  in this Act or by the  Commission,  no public water supply and
sanitation  service provider shall commence  or conduct the business  of providing water supply and
sanitation services without first obtaining a license.
Concession agreements and other contracts for water supply provision and water sanitation
and  treatment  services   currently  existing  shall  remain  valid  and  enforceable  unless  otherwise
terminated,  after due  notice  and hearing  for reasons provided in the  existing terms  and  conditions
under the concession or service agreement or contract, or when invalidated by the Commission, after
due notice and hearing, where national security, national emergency or public interest so dictates.
SEC  28.  Co#dl./I.o#s  o/£j.ce#se.  -The  Commission  or the  concerned regulatory unit, may
impose such conditions on the licensee as it may deem necessary, such as:
(a)  Tariffs, rates, and charges that may be imposed from its customers or consumers.
(b)  Term fixing the duration of the privilege.
(c)  Grounds for modification, suspension or cancellation of the License.
(d)  Minimum technical performance and service level standards.
(e)  Expansion targets and service level improvements over time.
(f)   Restrictions  or  conditions  for  transferability  of the  business  or  controlling  interest  in  the
business.


(g)  Reportorial requirements and obligations of the grantee.
(h)  Submission   to   annual   perfomance   audit   by   the   Commission   or   its   duly   authorized
representative(s).
The  Commission  shall  specify  the  requirements  and  procedure  for  existing  holders  of A
Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC), Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN)
issued by NWRB, or Certificate of Conformance (CoC) issued by LWUA, to convert their existing
certificates into licenses to operate in accordance with Sec. 27 herein.
All  existing  providers  of water  supply  and  sanitation  services  without  a  legal  and  valid
Certificate of Public Convenience, Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, or Certificate of
Conformance shall register with the Commission and apply for a license within six (6) months from
the effectivity of this Act.
SIEC . T9 . Rights and Duties Of Licensees . -
(a)  Any person granted a license under this Act shall have the obligation to ensure that licensed
activities are conducted to further public interest and, in particular:
(1)  Foster the maintenance and development of efficient, coordinated, and viable operation
of their licensed activities;
(2)  Ensure  that  their  water  supply  and  sanitation  services  are  provided  in  a  diligent,
conscientious and workman like manner, in accordance with applicable laws rules and
regulations   issued  by   the   Commission   and   the   generally   accepted   standards   and
practices of the water supply and sanitation industry; and
(3)  Comply with drinking water quality requirements and standards that may be established
by the Conhission.
(b)  Any person granted a license under this Act shall, to the extent allowed by law and specified
in the license, has the right to  acquire or lease land,  lay or repair water or sanitation main
lines and other relevant facilities in public ways to fulfill the terms and conditions under the
license.
(c)  Subject to any condition or limitation laid down in the license,  a licensee may discontinue
water supply and sanitation services to a customer if sucb customer defaults in the payment
of fees due to the licensee for the water supplied or sanitation services provided, or for acts of
pilferage pursuant to Sections 8, 9,10, and 11 of Republic Act No. 8041, otherwise known as
the Water Crisis Act of 1995.
(d)  Any license issued under this Act shall contain provisions designed to ensure that licensees:
(I)  Publish the Tariff and other charges approved by and the terms and conditions imposed
by the Commission for the provision of water supply and sanitation services.
(2)  Prepare, within three (3) months from the issuance of a license, in consultation with its
customers,  a  Customer  Service  Code  specifying  the  manner  and  procedure  for:  (a)
metering, billing, and collection of the licensee's approved tariff and other charges, (b)
disconnection or  suspension  of service  in case  of non-payment of tariffs  and/or other
charges, or acts of pilferage, and (c) recommendation and recovery of arrears in tariffs
and other charges;


(b)  Appoint hearing officers to hear and receive evidence on behalf of the Commission;
(c)  Cite any person or party for contempt for refusal to appear, testify, or comply with an order
of the Comrfussion on any matter that is the subject of investigation, inquiry or proceeding
before the Commission.
SEC. 34.  Orders ¢#d Dcci.sj.oHs a/ffre Commc.ssi.o#. -Any order, resolution, or decisions of
the Commission shall be promulgated promptly, expeditiously, reasonably, and in writing, and shall
state clearly and distinctly the facts and law on which it is based.
The  Commission  shall publish  and make  available  for public  inspection,  all decisions  and
final orders jn the adjudication of contested cases or applications.
S;EC. 35 . Appeals Procedure and Prohibition Against Injunction. -
(a)  The orders, rulings, and decisions of the Commission are final and executory unless appealed
to the Court of Appeals within fifteen (15) days from receipt of notice of such ordel., ruling or
decision: Provided, That orders, rulings, and decisions of the Commission approving tariffs,
shall be immediately executory and may be suspended only upon appeal and filing of a bond,
in  an  amount  to  be  fixed  by  the  Commission,  to  answer  for  damages  occasioned  by  the
suspension or stay of execution of such orders, rulings, and decisions.
(b)  No injunction may be issued by any court or administrative agency to restrain any proceeding
before,   or  the   implementation  or   execution   of  any   order,   ruling,   or  decision  of  the
Commission, except on the basis of a question of law brought before the Supreme Court on
certiorari.
(c)  Any act or decision of the Commission shall not be invalidated merely because of a defect or
irregularity  in,  or  in  connection  with,  the  appointment  or  vacancy  in  the  Office  of the
Chairperson or any other member of the Commission.
CENTER VII
INTHRDEPARTMENTAL RELATIONS OF THE COMMISSION
EEC. 36. Interface with Other Sector Regulators . -
(a)  The DENR shall continue to exercise primary jurisdiction over programs aimed at protecting
the  environment  and  the  quality  of  water  sources  from  waste  and  pollution,  and  shall
promulgate rules, regulations, and standards in this regard. The Department of Health (DOH)
shall  continue  to  exercise  primary jurisdiction  over the  determination  and  enforcement  of
standards for quality drinking water and sanitation.
(b)  The Commission shall coordinate with the:
(I)  DOH to ensure that the standards and targets for quality drinking water and sanitation
are consistently complied with;
(2)  LGUs for development projects relating to water supply and sanitation; and
(3)  Deparmient  of  Public  Works  and  Highways  for  flood  control  and  harnessing  and
inpounding of water.
SEC. 37.  rra"s/er a/Rz.gfers a#d Ob/I.grfz.o#s. -The Commission shall, by virtue of this Act,
be subrogated to all the rights, and assume all the obligations, of the Water Utilities Division of the


(3)  Maintain financial accounts in accordance with the manner and procedure specified in
the license and as may be required by the Commission; and
(4)  Maintain  and  upon  request  by  anyone  during  regular  office  hours,  promptly  make
available for scrutiny and inspection such data, statistics and other infomation, as may
be required by the Commission.
SEC. 30. SeJf!.#g rar!#F, R¢feE, ¢#d Offoer Cfe¢rges. - Regulatory units shall establish tariffs,
rates and other charges which are fair and reasonable, and ensure economic viability and a fair return
on investments.
Tariffs, rates and charges shall be based on and consistent with a rate-setting methodology
that  the  Commission  shall,  after  due  consultation,  define  and  publish,  taking  into  account  the
following, among others :
(a)  Reasonable  and  prudent  capital  and  recurrent  costs  of providing  the  service  including  a
reasonable rate of return on capital;
(b)  Efficiency of the service;
(c)  Incentives for enhancement of efficiency;
(d)  Willingness to pay of the customers/consumers;
(e)  Equity considerations; and
®  Administrative simplicity.
Tariffs, rates, and charges set by the regulatory units shall be presumed valid and reasonable
unless a protest or contest is filed with the Commission.
SEC.31.  Djrecf ,4ccess.  -Fifty-one  (51)  percent  of the  registered  water  consumers  in  a
municipality, city or province may petition for direct access to water from any water service provider
subject to concurrence by the service provider and approval by the Commission.  The Commission
shall promulgate rules and procedures for this mode of service.
SBC;.  32.  Innovative  Schemes  to  Improve  Efficieney  and  Management  Of Systerms.  -I:he
Commission  shall  promote  innovative  schemes  such  as  the  consolidation  or  integration  of water
supply and sanitation services, or providers in the same service area, where it shall result in improved
efficiency, service expansion and lower costs.
To this end, the Commission shall establish and issue such rules and guidelines  as may be
necessary to  (a)  create  incentives to  encourage efficiency  and service  expansion;  (b)  establish  the
standards and targets that service providers are required to meet; and (c) define the fines and penalties
14 that shall be imposed for failure to meet such standards and targets.
CENTER VI
QUASI-JUDICIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE COMNISSI0N
SEC.  33.  Proceedg.#gr  Be/ore  jAe  Commissz.o#.  -  For  the  purpose  of  any  investigation,
inquiry or proceeding, the Commission shall:
(81)  Iss;ue subpoena duces tecum trad subpoena ad testificandum.,


NWRB, the regulatory offices of MWSS and LWUA, the regulatory units of all special economic
zones,  and  all  other  government  agencies  and  units  whose  powers  and  functions  have  been
transferred to the Commission.
The transfer of powers and functions to the Department of the concerned agencies as herein
provided for, shall be deemed completed within six (6) months after the effectivity of this Act. The
transfer of powers and functions shall include all applicable funds, persomel, records, property and
equipment, as may be necessary. The same shall apply to agencies which have been attached to the
Department by virtue of this Act.
All agencies transferred, subsumed and attached to the Department, shall continue to function
under their present mandates until the six-month transition period mandated under this Act shall have
lapsed. The heads of the affected agencies shall continue to serve until replaced.
All rights and obligations of the affected agencies are hereby transferred to and assumed by
the  Commission,  and  shall  be  acted  upon  in  accordance  with  the  rules  and  regulations  of the
Commission on Audit and other pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.
SIEC. 38. Absorption or Separation from Service Of Employees Of the Subrogated Agencies. ~
The current employees of the Water Utilities Division of the NWRB, the regulatory offices of MWSS
and LWUA, the regulatory units of all special economic zones, and all other government agencies
and units whose powers and functions bave been transferred to the Commission shall enjoy security
of tenure, and shall be absorbed by the Department, in accordance with their staffing pattern and the
selection  process  as  prescribed  under  Republic  Act No.  6656  or  the  Government  Reorganization
Law.
Employees  opting to be  separated  from the  service as  a consequence of the  consolidation,
and reconstitution under the provisions of this Act shall, within one (1) month from their separation
or phase out from the service, receive separation benefits in accordance with existing laws, and those
who  are  qualified to  retire  shall be  allowed  to  retire  and be  entitled  to  all benefits under existing
retirement laws.
SEC. 39.  W¢fer rrws/ Fctnd. - There is hereby created a Water Trust Fund in the Bureau of
Treasury.   All   non-tax   revenues,   including   raw   water   pricing,   permit   fees,   registration   fees,
supervision and regulation enforcement fees, filing fees, testing fees, and other service income from
the  use  of water  resources  shall  be  remitted  to  the  Water  Trust  Fund.  The  trust  fund  shall  be
accounted   separately   from   the   govemment's   general   revenues   and   shall   be   automatically
appropriated to the Department. Proceeds from the trust fund shall be utilized for water development,
water sanitation and wastewater treatment and management, and water sustainability programs and
projects  authorized  under this  Act:  Provided,  That  a  maximum  of ten percent  (10%)  of the  total
income  generated  from  raw  water  extraction  shall  be  given  as  share  of  the  concerned  local
government unit or indigenous peoples (IP) community who own the specific areas or land where the
raw water was sourced.
CHAPTHR VIII
FINAL PROVISIONS
See.  40.  Applicability  Of Ease  Of Doing Business  Law.  - The presortoed processing tine
provided  under  Section  9.b  of Republic  Act  No.11032,  otherwise  known  as  the  Ec}£e  a/Dog.ng
Bwsi.#ess ¢#d EJLici.e#f Govemme#f ServJ.ce De/I.very ,4cf a/ 20/8, shall be applicable to all agencies
and LGUs covered under this Act particularly on accessing government services.
See.  41.   rr¢#£z.tory  Prow.sj.o#s.  -  Performance  audit  of  all  water-related  agencies  and
institutions, including LWUA and water districts, MWSS, MWSS-RO and its concessionaires, LGU-


run  utilities,  Tourism  Infrastructure  and  Enterprise  Zone  Authority,  Philippine  Economic  Zone
Authority, Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, DILG,
and NIA, shall be conducted by the Deparfuent.
SEC. 42. 4xpropri.¢f[.o7?s. -The amount necessary to cover the initial implementation of this
Act shall be charged against the currents year's appropriations of the agencies and offices transferred
and subsumed by the Department and the Commission in the General Appropriations Act. Thereafter,
such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of the Act shall be included in the
armual GAA.
SEC. 43. Jmp/eme#f/./Ig jlw/es a#d Regw/a/j.o#s. -Within one hundred eighty (180) days from
the  effectivity  of  this  Act,  the  Department,  NEDA,  DBM,  DENR,  CSC,  in  consultation  with
concerned  government  agencies,  the  Presidential  Legislative  Liaison  Office  shall  promulgate  rules
and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
SEC.  44. Seprrclb!./I.ty C/¢wsc. - If any reason,  any portion or provision of this Act shall be
held unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in
full force and effect.
SEC. 45 . Repealing Clause. ~
(a)  The following provisions are hereby repealed:
(1)  Section 3  (h)  and Section  12  on the provision with respect to fixing of water rates and
sanitation  service  fees,  Section  3  (n)  on  the  provision  with  respect  to  regulation  of
waterworks and deep wells, and Section 3 (p) on the provision with respect to regulation
of waterworks and sanitation systems in privately owned subdivisions of Republic Act
6234 enditled, An Act Creating The Metropolitan Waterworks And Sewerage System And
Dissolving The National Waterworks And Sewerage Authority, And For Other Purposes,
as amended.,
(2)  Title Ill on Local  Water Utilities  Administration Law of Presidential  Decree No.  198
otherwise known as the Provz.#cz`¢/ Wr¢fer Ufi./I.fz.es Act a/ /973, as amended by Letter of
rastruchon"o. loo -Providing Measures To Control And Regulate Increase In Water
Rates, Letter o£ I"st"c;honNo. 744 -Relative To Reliable Water Supply At Reasonable
Jzafes J#  77ie Co##tryLg[.de, Executive Order No.  124, 30 January  1987 -jieorgr"i.zafz.o#
Act Of the Ministry Of public Works and Highways, Exec;utive Order No. \23, 30 Ia.n:unry
198] -Reorganization Act Of Ministry Of Social Services and Development.,
(3)  Republic  Act No.  3601  as  amended  by  Presidential  Decree  No.  552  and  Presidential
Decree No.  1702  pertaining to  the  creation  of the National  Irrigation Administration;
and
(4)  Section  I  of Executive Order No.  124-A S.  1987 Amending  Executive Order No.  124,
da;ted 30 la;"fny  198] , Reorganizing the Department Of Public  Works  and Highways,
Redefining  Its  Powers  and  Functions,  and  For  Other  Purposes  on  re;ne"in8  8ind
reorganizing the National Water Resources Council into the National Water Resources
Board.
(b)  The following provisions are hereby amended accordingly:
(1)  Paragraph 3, Section 3 of commonwealth Act No.146, as amended, otherwise known as
the Pi/b/I.c Servz.ce f4c/ pertaining to all cases involving the fixing of rates;


(2)  Section  154,  Article  V,  Chapter  I,  Title  One,  Book  11  of Republic  Act  No.  7160,  as
amended,   otherwise   known   as   the   foca/   GovermmeJ?f   Code   a/  /99/,   and   its
implementing rules and regulations on the power of the local government units to fix the
rates of water utilities owned, operated and maintained by them within their jurisdiction
is hereby repealed or modifled accordingly;
(3)  Section   13   (b)   on  the  regulation  of  enterprises  within  the   Economic  Zone  under
Republic  Act No.  7916  as  amended,  otherwise  known as  7lrfee fpecj.a/ Eco#omi.c ZoHe
Act Of 1995.,
(4)  Section 69 of Republic Act No. 9593 otherwise known as 7lrfee rowrz.s'm j4cf a/2009 and
its  implementing  rules  and regulations  which mandate  the  Tourism  Infrastructure  and
Enterprise Zone Authority to grant franchises, supervise the operation of public utilities,
and  register,  monitor  and  regulate  enterprises  within  Tourism  Enterprise  Zones,  are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly;
(5)  Sections  7  and  8  on the  adjudication of water pollution cases under Republic  Act No.
3931   entitled,   An   Act   Creating   The   National   Water   And   Air   Polluticin   Control
Comm;.ssi.o#, particularly with respect to Section 6 letters e, f, g, j, k Presidential Decree
984 e;ati+led, Provldingfor the Revision Of Republic Act No. 3931, Commonly Known as
the Pollution Control Law, and For Other Purposes.,
(6)  Sections 4(I) and 7 of Republic Act No. 9275, otherwise known as the Prfez./JZxpi.#e C/ca#
Water Act Of 2004.,
(7)  Articles  3(d)  and  79  of Presidential  Decree No.  1067,  otherwise known  as  7lfte  Wafer
Code Of the Philippines..
(8)  Sections  9,10,11,12  and  13,  Chapter  11  of Presidential  Decree  No.  856,  otherwise
known as the Code on Sanitation Of the Philippines., 8;nd
(9)  Section 3.2 (b) of Executive Order No.  149 Series of 1993 transferring the Laguna Lake
Development   Authority   from   the   Offlce   of  the   President   to   the   Department   of
Environment and Natural Resources.
All  other laws,  presidential  decrees,  executive orders, presidential proclamations,  rules  and
regulations, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed
or amended accordingly.
SEC. 46. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,