Senate starts deliberations on DWR establishment bill

The Senate began plenary deliberations on Monday for the proposed law creating the Department of Water Resources (DWR), which seeks to address the water crisis caused by mismanagement.

Senator Grace Poe emphasized that the current issue is not a lack of resources but an ineffective management system, noting overlapping functions among 45 executive agencies involved in water management.

The bill aims to streamline these agencies and establish a comprehensive framework for water resources development, with the DWR serving as the central body overseeing policies, planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and administration.

Support from majority senators has been given to Senate Bill (SB) No. 2771 or the National Water Resources Act, which includes the establishment of an independent Water Regulatory Commission.

The proposed department will absorb key bodies such as the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), and various departments' water-related units to create a cohesive regulatory system, enhancing the government's ability to address issues like water scarcity and pollution.