Ensure safety and quality of all bottled water products

SENATE President Manny Villar filed a bill that seeks to ensure the safety and quality of bottled water in the market for the protection of the public.

With the onset of the rainy season, increased dependence on clean bottled water is expected and this calls for increased protection of our consuming public," Villar explained.

"Unfortunately, bottled water sold in the country is left unregulated, which is certainly a cause of concern as there is a possibility that it is not of superior quality as claimed," Villar said in his explanatory note on the bill.

Senate Bill 98 entitled, "An Act establishing quality standards for mineral water and carbonated water," mandates the Health secretary to establish quality standards and definitions for mineral and carbonated water.

The measure also seeks to implement a clear and uniform labeling for all bottled water products which should cite the following: the original source of water, type of water, type of treatment, the date of bottling, address of the bottler and the numerical specification of its sodium content.

The bill likewise seeks to define "mineral water, spring water, naturally carbonated, naturally sparkling well water, natural well water, artesian water, natural artesian water, purified water, distilled water, and drinking water", and to cite the appropriate definition on the product label.

"Consumers are paying premium prices for bottled water based on the assumption that such is of superior quality than tap water," Villar said, "It is only necessary that the quality and safety of all bottled water products in the market be guaranteed," he added.

The bill also seeks to establish a strict monitoring, inspection, and reporting program for bottled water, including public notification guidelines in the event that a bottled water product is found to have fallen short of the required health and safety criteria.

Villar filed the bill in pursuit of his five-point platform which includes health, aside from education, entrepreneurship, environment and agriculture.