Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has filed Senate Bill (SB) No. 225, also known as the National Water Resources Management Law, aimed at establishing a dedicated agency to address the country’s worsening water crisis.
In a strongly worded social media post, Pangilinan slammed the government’s failure to deliver lasting solutions.
“Sawa na tayo sa palpak na flood control (projects),” Pangilinan declared.
He emphasized the urgent need for a centralized agency: “Panahon na para magkaroon (tayo) ng National Water Resources Management Law na tututok sa baha, irigasyon at malinis na inuming tubig.”
According to the senator, SB 225 will create the Department of Water Resources—an agency with clear authority and fast decision-making power. “Isinusulong natin ang Senate Bill (SB) No. 225 o ang National Water Resources Management Act, na lilikha ng Department of Water Resources—isang ahensya na may malinaw at mabilis na aksyon laban sa baha at iba pang problema sa tubig,” he said.
Pangilinan blasted the current fragmented system, calling it ineffective and slow. “Sa ngayon, hiwa-hiwalay ang responsibilidad ng iba’t ibang ahensya. Ang resulta: mabagal, sabog, at hindi coordinated ang solusyon. Dapat nasa iisang ahensya ang pamamahala para mabilis ang kilos at may direksyon.”