SP Sotto seeks probe on water crisis

Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III on Wednesday filed a resolution directing the Senate Committee on Public Services and other appropriate committees to conduct an investigation on the current water crisis in Metro Manila and nearby areas.

Sotto, in his Senate Resolution 1028, said the investigation would hopefully come out with measures that would ensure that there will be "sustainable water supply" in Metro Manila, its nearby areas and other areas in the country.

Reports said committee chair re-electionist Sen. Grace Poe will commence the public hearing on Tuesday next week.

The Senate President noted that thousands of households, schools and even hospitals in Metro Manila and some areas in Rizal Province have been receiving low to zero water supply.

This was due to the operational adjustments being done by water service concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad that resulted in cutting or reducing of water supply in affected areas.

While some attributed the crisis to the El Niño phenomenon, others blamed the water service concessionaires, "hence the need to review the concession agreements with them," Sotto said.

"The inadequate or lack of water supply has caused inconvenience to the affected residents, students and patients," the resolution stated.

"If left unresolved, the water crisis may bring more serious problems to the people and businesses in the affected areas, and may impact the country as a whole," it added.

Earlier, Sotto said he would order an investigation on the water crisis to uncover the reasons behind the shortage.

Senators noted that while Manila Water had been suffering water supply woes, its west zone counterpart Maynilad continues its normal operations.

Manila Water, which covers the east zone of Metro Manila and Rizal, has advised its customers to expect more water interruptions in the following days due to limited water supply as El Niño or the prolonged dry spell begins to set in the country.