Resolution probes El Niño phenomenon, water crisis in PH

BIBO NUEVA ESPAÑA/SENATE PRIB

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Imee Marcos has filed a resolution seeking an inquiry into the ongoing El Niño phenomenon and the recurring water crisis in the Philippines.

“Despite various efforts and initiatives being conducted by the government and the increase in water rates, the entire country is still experiencing strained water resources and water crisis in various regions and provinces,” said Marcos in her Senate Resolution No. 986.

Marcos’ resolution was filed not long after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) announced the onset of “tag-init” in the country.

READ: Pagasa: Summer is officially here

The state weather bureau earlier warned that this could be “one of the warmest” dry seasons ever recorded in the Philippines due to the ongoing effects of El Niño.

On plans to address El Niño

In a separate press conference also on Wednesday, Marcos said there had been evident lapses in terms of addressing El Niño.

“We had lapses in planning. Actually, we’re a little late. I wish we had prepared a little but the Department of Science and Technology has been telling us to reprimand us for a long time and we don’t want to believe what they said last year,” the senator emphasized.

Marcos said this lack of concrete plans led to the “suffering” of Filipinos.

“El Niño… I think let’s not get caught flat-footed, let’s listen to our scientists for a change. After El Niño there is La Niña so let’s prepare, and let’s really prepare let’s look at the data,” she added.