The WATER SITUATION and GOVERNMENT ACTIONS

WATER IS LIFE

The right to water is an international right and should be taken as basic human right. Thus it is a responsibility of governments to ensure that people can enjoy sufficient, safe, accessible and affordable water, without discrimination.

Water is life

On July 28, 2010, UN General Assembly declared that access to safe and clean drinking water is a human right essential to the full enjoyment of life and other human rights

Water is life

In the Philippines, based on 2009 government statistics, 17.1 % of all families in the country do not have access to safe drinking water.

Water is life

According to 2010 MDG report, 16 million Filipinos do not have access to safe drinking water. 30% of the poorest 30% of Filipino families do not have access to safe water supply.

Water is life

2007 Annual Poverty Indicator Survey (APIS) by NSO:

1. 2. 17.1% of all families in the country do not have access to safe drinking water. Water sources are unsafe such as unprotected develop & undevelop springs, river, stream, pond, rain water, etc.

Water is life

WATER CRISIS

In the early 90s, the government was threatened by the water crisis brought by the increasing population. It was predicted that water supply demand in the country, not to include Metro Manila, would increase by 75% in 1995-2000.

Water Crisis

Philippine Congress enacted Republic Act No. 8041 otherwise known as the National Water Crisis Act of 1995. In February 1997, the Concession Agreement was signed by the MWSS and two private concessionaires, Maynilad and Manila Waters

Government Action

Concession Agreement standard performance (MWSS- Maynilad, Manila Waters)

1. 100% water coverage in its respective concession areas within 10 years 2. have no real increase in the water rates within the first 10 years 3. provide uninterrupted, 24 hours water service to all connected customers within 3 years, meeting standards set by the DOH 4. put in place waste water program

Government Action

In the past 15 years of the privatized water system in Metro Manila 1. Basic charges for Maynilad hiked by 564% 2. Manila Waters hiked by 1,083%

Privatized Water System

In the past 15 years of the privatized water system in Metro Manila

3. Only 60% of the Maynilad-connected households have 24 hour water supply

4. Of the 99% coverage of Manila Waters, third party contractor is involved

Privatized Water System

MWSS- Maynilad and Manila Waters Concession Agreement is further extended for another 15 years until 2037 despite the CAs bad performance (originally 1997- 2022)

Privatized Water System

PRO-PEOPLE ACTIONS

In 2003, Water for the People Network (WPN) was established that would reinforce and coordinate waterrelated struggles In 2004, Water System Employees Response (WATER) was established in reaction to the persistent threats of corporatization and privatization which will affect some 30, 000 WD employees and workers

Actions Taken

During the 15th Congress, various versions of the Water Sector Reform Bill were filed in both houses. According to them: - Water is a human right but also an economic good - Water district must be more friendly to private investors - A superbody that will administer the water system should be created At the same time, resulting privatization may result in the possible job loss of employees from 600 water districts nationwide

Privatize Water System

Because of the opposition from the Philippine Association of Water Districts and their members, the said bills were prevented from gaining ground in Congress. Water districts worked with progressive party-list representatives in publicizing the issue and getting the support of other groups.

Water Districts Protest

During the 15th Congress, the Makabayan bloc filed:

HB 6889 An act classifying services of water utilities, and sale or importation of equipment directly used in operating, maintaining, improving and expanding distribution of potable water by water utilities as value-added tax exempt transactions, amending for the purpose section 109 (1) of the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended by RA 9337 (Rep. Casino, Bayan Muna)

Congress Actions

During the 15th Congress, the Makabayan bloc filed:

HR 2777 Resolution to conduct an investigation on the drastic, arbitrary and dubious increase of Maynilad water bills, especially in Cavite, and the failure of water concessionaires to address said problem, to the detriment of innocent consumers (Rep. Casino,Bayan Muna)

Congress Actions

During the 15th Congress, the Makabayan bloc filed:

HR 109 Resolution initiating a comprehensive review and investigation into the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) contracts of Water Concessionaires Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Waters Inc. and make immediate recommendations to address the current water shortage (Rep. Mariano, Anakpawis)

Congress Actions

During the 15th Congress, the Makabayan bloc filed:

HR 894 Resolution to conduct an urgent inquiry on the unjust water rate hike approved by the MWSS Regulatory Office (Rep. Colmenares, Bayan Muna)

Congress Actions

Plans for the 16th Congress:

Work closely with water districts and peoples organizations in crafting a major bill that will address problems of the water sector and at the same time prohibiting further privatization of water utilities.

Congress Actions

1. The right to water should be recognized by the government as a basic human right 2. Water should never be subject to foreign exploitation 3. Water should be allocated for the basic needs of peoples survival and livelihood 4. Water should remain in the public domain
Statement of Principles Filipino Peoples Water Code- 1st NationalConvention on Water, August 2004

Government Responsibility