Malacañang confirmed that the proposal to create Department of Water will be a priority in the next Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting.
According to Secretary to the Cabinet Karlo Nograles, it is necessary to include the proposal as a priority legislative measure “because of the fragmented approach” of the government.
Nograles explained that the Executive Order (EO) for the master plan of water resources management being prepared by Office of the President (OP) can be superseded and amended by the next administration, going back to “old and unacceptable ways.”
But with the Department of Water, Nograles pointed out that all measures including the supposed master plan on water management will be institutionalized by law.
“Tingin ko kailangan na..(ilagay sa LEDAC) because of the fragmented approach that we have. Kasi ‘yung EO na gagawin natin can be superseded and amended by the next administration,” Nograles explained. “But with the Department of Water then you have to pass through Congress. So ideally it has to be institutionalized and that is through a law.”
The Cabinet Secretary expressed optimism that allies in both Houses of Congress will support the proposed creation of Department of Water amid the effects of El Niño phenomenon and water shortage in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
