Duterte orders abolition of Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the “disestablishment” of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC).

According to Executive Order No. 93, various tasks of the PRRC are transferred to other government agencies and offices such as the Manila Bay Task Force, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

The Manila Bay Task Force shall “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 marine life.”

The environment department, meanwhile, shall ensure that relevant laws are enforced especially in waterways leading to Pasig River.

The DHSUD shall expedite the relocation of informal settlers along the Pasig River banks with the aid of the DENR and the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor, while the MMDA and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) shall ensure the removal of structures and obstructions built along the river.

Duterte earlier called on Congress to abolish the Pasig River rehabilitation body, saying that the river could no longer be cleaned.

Duterte said the government should instead use the funds allocated to PRRC to purchase food and medicine for the people.

READ: Duterte to Congress: Abolish Pasig River rehab agency

He also transferred the chairmanship of the PRRC from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to the DENR.

READ: Duterte names DENR as new chair of Pasig River rehab commission 

Edited by GSG