The politics of water
Conflicting statements on water shortage only confuse public -- Sen. Nancy

Sen. Nancy Binay today pointed out that the conflicting statements with regard the apparent water shortage in Metro Manila has only increased public confusion.

"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. Ano ba talaga, kuya? Mas lalo lang natin nililito ang publiko," Binay said.

Manila Water, which supplies the eastern portion of Metro Manila, is struggling to provide stable water supply to its consumers, but its counterpart, Maynilad, continues to maintain normal operations. Both companies draw water from the Angat Dam in Bulacan.

"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," the senator added.

Both water concessionaires draw their water from Angat Dam which supplies 96% of Metro Manila's requirements. The La Mesa Dam is supposed to be a reserve facility once Angat falls short of the supply.

"We should have a clear policy on maintaining water security whenever water supply goes bad. Where is NWRB's holistic and comprehensive water resource plan and effective water allocation and reuse policies? We have laws like RA 6716, but the lack of enabling policies on water management makes us ill-equipped in addressing these kinds of problems," Binay pointed out.

The lady senator conceded that water security in the country faces threats due to climate change, and the prolonged El Nino and summer season give rise to all sorts of water crises.

"The NWRB's mandate is to come up with policies and guidelines that would address and resolve water-related issues down to the barangay level. Matagal na tayong aware sa climate change maging sa El Nino. Nangyayari ang ganitong krisis sa tubig dahil walang malinaw na polisiya at kahandaan. We already have a 30-year old law on constructing water catchments nationwide, pero hanggang ngayon isang suggestion pa rin ito," Binay said.