Duterte abolishes Pasig rehab body

November 14, 2019

President Rodrigo Duterte has abolished the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission as part of the "right-sizing" policy of the government.

Executive Order No. 93, which Duterte issued on November 8, provides for the "disestablishment" of the PRRC.

"Within 60 days from the effectivity of this Order, the DBM (Department of Budget and Management), in consultation with the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) and MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority), 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 separation or transfer of its personnel, as may be necessary, in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations," the EO read.

Pursuant to the right-sizing policy of the government under the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, which aims to promote economy and efficiency in government operations and ensure greater accountability of public officials, the EO said there is a need to consolidate ongoing rehabilitation efforts in all river systems and tributaries within the Manila Bay Region and streamline rehabilitation functions by transferring them to agencies with relevant core mandates.

With the disestablishment of the PRRC, its functions, including all necessary and incidental powers, were transferred to various government agencies, such as the Manila Bay Task Force, DENR, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, MMDA, and Department of Public Works and Highways.

The EO said the Manila Bay Task Force under Administrative Order No. 16 shall 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 Order shall take effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. Celerina Monte/DMS