Politics · Philippines Bureau
Legarda pushes affordable water rates, commercial curbs amid El Niño
Senator Loren Legarda has called on the government to lower water rates for low-income households and implement stricter regulations on commercial water use as the country grapples with El Niño conditions. The measures form part of a broader 10-point policy action plan to mitigate the drought's impact.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Senator Loren Legarda has urged the government to prioritize affordable water access for poor families and tighten controls on business water consumption in response to ongoing El Niño effects.
In a statement released Friday, Legarda emphasized that reducing water rates for low-income households should be a key component of the government's drought response strategy. She also called for stronger enforcement mechanisms to prevent excessive water use by commercial establishments during the dry season.
The senator's appeal reflects growing concerns about water security as El Niño conditions persist across the Philippines. The phenomenon has strained water supplies and raised living costs for vulnerable populations already struggling with inflation.
Legarda's recommendations form part of a comprehensive 10-point policy action plan designed to address El Niño-related challenges. The proposal seeks to balance the needs of poor communities with the necessity of managing water resources sustainably for all users.
The senator's call comes as government agencies continue to monitor water levels in major reservoirs and coordinate contingency measures to ensure adequate supply for residential and critical needs during the extended dry season.