Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 149)
The MWSS is a government agency mandated to own and/or exercise jurisdiction, supervision, and control over all waterworks and sewerage systems in its designated territories. It was created by virtue of Republic Act No. 6234, as amended.
The MWSS was initially attached to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) by virtue of Executive Order No. 124 (s. 1987) and further supervised under EO No. 387 (s. 2004).
The transfer aimed to ensure transparency, accountability, and propriety in the performance of the MWSS-Regulatory Office (RO) functions and to ensure proper, transparent, and equitable performance of their respective functions.
The key divisions are: a) Technical Regulation, b) Secretary and Legal Adviser, c) Financial Regulation, and d) Quality and Customer Service Regulation.
The RO shall: a) monitor the awarded Concession Agreements, b) review and monitor water supply and sewerage rates, and c) arrange regular, independent technical and financial audits of water concessionaires.
The RO en banc is composed of the Chief Regulator and four (4) members, each appointed by the President with a five (5) year term.
They must be citizens and residents of the Philippines, of good moral character, with at least ten (10) years of experience for the Chief Regulator and five (5) years for the Members, and recognized competence in law, economics, finance, accounting, engineering, management, and/or business.
They shall not hold any other office or employment, practice any profession (except teaching), participate in business, or be financially interested in government contracts or franchises. They must avoid conflicts of interest and relatives within the fourth civil degree cannot act as counsel or transact business before the RO during and two years after their tenure.
The RO may prescribe and impose sanctions, disallowances, penalties, or fines for violations of Concession Agreements, orders, rules, and regulations, or failure to provide efficient water, sanitation, and sewerage services. Collected fines and penalties shall be returned to consumers as rebates, refunds, or credits where feasible.
In case of death, incapacitation, or resignation of a member, the President shall appoint a successor to complete the unexpired term.