Senator Nancy Binay. INQUIRER.net file photo / CATHY MIRANDA
MANILA, Philippines — There should be a clear policy on maintaining water security whenever water supply dwindles, Senator Nancy Binay on Tuesday said amid conflicting statements about the water shortage in Metro Manila.
Binay pointed out how the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewage System (MWSS) and the weather bureau says there is enough water supply in Angat Dam while Manila Water says otherwise.
“Ang sabi ng MWSS at Pagasa meron sapat na supply ng tubig ang Angat Dam. Ang sabi naman ng Manila Water kulang na raw ang tubig kaya may shortage, pero ang Maynilad, willing magpahiram ng tubig sa Manila Water,” Binay said in a statement.
“Ano ba talaga, kuya? Mas lalo lang natin nililito ang publiko,” the senator added.
She also noted how Manila Water, which provides water to the eastern part of Metro Manila, is already struggling to provide stable water supply to its consumers while Maynilad remains with its normal operation.
READ: Manila Water apologizes for sudden service interruption
Both companies draw water from Angat Dam in Bulacan, Binay said, noting that the La Mesa Dam is supposed to be a reserve facility once Angat falls short of supply.
READ: LOOK: Long queues in Mandaluyong as taps go dry
“Yun na nga ang nakakalito–magkakaiba ang statement nila. The conflicting statements paint a confusing picture of a water crisis that can trigger panic and further impact on public order,” Binay said.
The senator said there should be a clear policy on maintaining water security, noting that the water crisis occur as the country lacks the policy and the readiness to address such matters.
“We should have a clear policy on maintaining water security whenever water supply goes bad. Where is NWRB’s (National Water Resources Board) holistic and comprehensive water resource plan and effective water allocation and reuse policies?” Binay said.
“Matagal na tayong aware sa climate change maging sa El Niño. Nangyayari ang ganitong krisis sa tubig dahil walang malinaw na polisiya at kahandaan,” she added.
“We already have a 30-year-old law on constructing water catchments nationwide, pero hanggang ngayon isang suggestion pa rin ito,” Binay further said. /jpv