‘Monitor bottled water industry’

The House Committee on Trade and Industry, chaired by Manila Rep. Harry Angping, has approved yesterday a bill that will protect the public from drinking unsafe water.

The committee acted on the approval of House Bills 222 and 388 which both mandates that government should regulate the local bottled water industry.

It has been noted that the deterioration of the quality of potable water in many urban areas has led to the proliferation of numerous companies and refill stations selling bottled or potable water refills. These water products are advertised and described as mineral, spring and pure or distilled water.

But threats posed to human health consist of contaminants in drinking water that can cause the incidence of gastrointestinal infections, diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis, damage to the nervous system and related illnesses.

To ensure that drinking companies comply with health standards and are consistent with their advertisements, the trade and industry committee realized the need for a law that would protect the health and welfare of the public, Angping said.

"Under the proposed measures, any person or entity that wishes to engage in drinking water business must, in addition to the local business and mayor’s permit, clearance and licenses, secure the herein required water business certificate to be issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)," he added.

Sample of water to be sold to the public must also be submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for proper analysis and evaluation as to its quality, classified and certified. Bottles and containers shall include in its label that same has been analyzed and evaluated.

The representatives of DTI, Manila Water Services Inc. and Asia Bottled Water Association who attended yesterday’s hearing, supported the measure.

Angping, however, expressed concerns that the regulation of the water industry might open the gates for price control once it is enacted into law.

"Are legitimate companies pricing themselves? What if it (the bill) open the door for what are called fly-by-night companies?" he stressed.

But Hector Gumbali, president of the Asia Bottled Water Association, assured Angping that as far as pricing is concerned, the water industry in the Philippines remains at par with other countries and will not be affected by the passage of the measure.