Lawmaker pushes water management bill amid El Niño threat

PoliticsEnvironment
17 Oct 2026 • 10:35 AM MYT
The Manila Times
The Manila Times

One of the longest-running English broadsheets in the Philippines

Lawmaker pushes water management bill amid El Niño threat

MANILA, Philippines — Marikina 2nd District Rep. Miro Quimbo is urging the Senate to pass a proposed national water management law, warning that prolonged dry spells could threaten water supply for Filipino households and businesses.

Quimbo said the proposed National Water Resources Management Act would establish a stronger framework for managing the country’s water resources as the threat of a potential Super El Niño raises concerns over water security.

“Water security is not just an environmental concern. It is a public health issue, an economic concern, and a matter that directly affects the daily lives of every Filipino,” Quimbo said.

House Bill 6789 was approved on third and final reading by the House of Representatives on Dec. 22, 2025, and transmitted to the Senate. It seeks to create the Department of Water Resources and the Water Regulatory Commission, defining their respective mandates and powers.

Quimbo said the measure would improve coordination among institutions and help the government manage competing demands for water, particularly during prolonged dry weather and other climate-related challenges.

He warned that water shortages could force families to change their daily routines, disrupt business operations and affect public services, stressing the need for long-term planning and reliable water management.

The lawmaker called on the Senate to advance the bill, saying a national framework for water management would help communities prepare for climate-related risks and maintain a sustainable water supply.

“This is an investment we cannot afford to delay,” Quimbo said.

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