Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 424)
The main purpose of Presidential Decree No. 424 is to create the National Water Resources Council (NWRC) that will coordinate and integrate water resources development in the Philippines, ensuring orderly and scientific development, control, and optimum utilization of water resources to meet the country's present and future water needs.
The National Water Resources Council is attached to the Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communications (DPWTC).
The Council's functions are divided into regulatory and executory functions such as coordinate water resources development, determine and grant water rights, formulate standards and rules, approve development plans, conduct surveys, and advisory functions such as advising NEDA on water resources projects and recommending policies.
The members include the Secretary of the DPWTC as Chairman, Secretary or Undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Director-General or Deputy of NEDA, Administrator of National Irrigation Administration, General Manager of National Power Corporation, and the Director of the Bureau of Public Works. NEDA may adjust membership.
The Council has the power to determine, adjudicate, and grant water rights, amending for this purpose Act No. 2152 and other related laws concerning the appropriation and utilization of surface and groundwater.
The Executive Director supervises and controls the Council's working staff, is appointed by the President upon the Council's recommendation, and receives a salary fixed by the Council.
Yes, the Council can impose fees or charges deemed necessary for water resources development.
The Council can conduct or promote studies on weather modification, environmental quality, desalination, and other aspects related to water resources development in coordination with government or private agencies.
An initial amount of ten million pesos was appropriated from the National Treasury for the organization and initial operations of the Council, including the purchase of hydrologic equipment.
Yes, all laws, decrees, charters, executive orders, administrative orders, proclamations, rules and regulations or parts thereof that conflict with PD No. 424 are repealed or modified accordingly.