Duterte dissolves Pasig River agency

EO 93 transfers the functions of the PRRC to the Manila Bay Task Force, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Metropolitan Manila Development and Authority and Department of Public Works and Highways. #PRRCabolition

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order that disestablishes the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC).

Executive Order No. 93 signed on 8 November but only released on Thursday, 14 November 14, transfers the functions of the PRRC to the Manila Bay Task Force, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Metropolitan Manila Development and Authority (MMDA) and Department of Public Works and Highways.

Under Section 1 of the EO, the Manila Bay Task Force under Administrative Order No. 16, shall update and take the lead in the overall implementation of the Pasig River rehabilitation Master Plan, which shall harness the Pasig River’s potential for transportation, recreation and tourism purposes while undertaking the rehabilitation and restoration of its marine life.

The DENR, meanwhile, shall ensure that the easements provided for in the Civil Code and other relevant laws are enforced, especially in all the esteros and waterways that drain into the Pasig River, as well as abate the dumping of untreated industrial wastewater and sewerage into the river, including all acts and omissions in violation of Presidential Decree No. 948 (s.1976) as amended, PD No. 274 (s. 1973), and other related laws.

The DHSUD, for its part, shall expedite the relocation of informal settlers and other unauthorized or unlawful occupants along the banks of the Pasig River and effectively enforce Proclamation No. 704 (s. 1995), in collaboration with the DENR and the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor.

While the MMDA and DPWH, consistent with their respective mandates, and in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), local government units concerned and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, shall ensure the dismantling and removal of all structures, constructions, and other encroachments established or built along the Pasig River which are in violation of R.A. No. 7279, as amended and other applicable laws, as well as undertake civil works, as may be necessary such as dredging and cleaning of the Pasig River and all the inland channels, esteros and waterways that drain into it.

Within 60 days from the effectivity of the order, the DBM, in consultation with the DENR and MMDA, shall supervise the winding up of the operations of the PRRC, as well as the final disposition or transfer of its functions,.obligations, assets, and liabilities pursuant to this Order, and the applicable laws, rules and regulations,

If any part or provision of the Order is held unconstitutional or invalid, other parts not affected thereby shall contimue to be in full force and effect.

“EO No. 54, as amended, is hereby repealed. All executive orders, rules, regulations and other issuances or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Order, are hereby revoked or modified accordingly,” the EO read.

“This Order shall take effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation,” it added.