PRESS RELEASE
8 July 2025

PCC engages NWRB on strengthening water sector regulation and consumer welfare

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) and the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) explored opportunities to improve regulation and competition in the water distribution sector in a strategic policy dialogue held on June 11.

PCC economists Elizabeth B. Udaundo (rightmost) and Jose Vivaldi S. Ericta (2nd from right) present the salient points of the market study on the water distribution sector during the strategic policy dialogue between the PCC and NWRB, held on June 11, 2025 in Quezon City.

The dialogue was organized to discuss the findings of the PCC’s market study on the sector, which highlighted key challenges such as limited consumer choice, high switching costs, and the complexities of introducing competition in a naturally monopolistic environment. While expanding consumer choice is inherently constrained by infrastructure and resource limitations, NWRB said ongoing efforts are underway to improve transparency and accountability through stricter tariff regulation, performance monitoring, and audit mechanisms.

The dialogue also delved into the realities of water distribution in the context of existing regulatory framework that warrant a single distributor in certain service areas. The PCC and NWRB looked into new trends in more developed countries including retail competition in the water sector. Both agencies expressed openness to exploring innovative frameworks that prioritize sustainability and fair access to water services.

Strategic policy dialogue between the PCC and NWRB, held on June 11, 2025 in Quezon City.

The PCC remains committed to working with key regulatory agencies in fostering a competitive and efficient regulatory environment. Through its engagement with the NWRB, the PCC seeks to ensure that reforms in the water sector uphold consumer welfare while promoting a level playing field for service providers.

PCC Commissioner Marah Victoria S. Querol (4th from left), Economics Office Acting Directors Carlos L. Vega (3rd from left) and Kirsten J. Dela Cruz (2nd from left), and other PCC staff with NWRB Deputy Executive Director Geraldine DC. Ramos (center) and Policy Formulation Section Engineer Fritz Caroleene G. Ramos (4th from right) during the strategic policy dialogue between the PCC and NWRB, held on June 11, 2025 in Quezon City.

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REFERENCE:  
publicaffairs@phcc.gov.ph  
Public Affairs and Research Division
Communications and Knowledge Management Office
Philippine Competition Commission