Senatorial candidate Jejomar Binay on Thursday said if he wins, he will push a measure to solve the country’s problem on clean and potable water.
The former vice president said more public and private partnerships are needed to ensure access to clean and potable water for more Filipinos.
Binay cited a report from the Unicef-World Health Organization stating that only 47.46 percent of Filipinos had access to safely managed drinking water in 2020.
“The lack of clean and safe water would affect the health of our countrymen,” he said.
Binay made the statement after Manila Water and Sewerage System (MWSS) and the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) officials said they were preparing mitigation programs to address potential water shortages in April.
Binay said he will work to foster greater cooperation among local government units, local water districts, national government agencies, and the private sector.
He said among the issues that need to be addressed include finding new water sources for a growing population, finding sufficient funds for new water projects, and ensuring resilient water system structures.
“These problems will be among those we will find solutions to under our water and health service program,” added Binay.
The former vice president said these concerns also need to be addressed to meet the global target of having clean water and sanitation for all by 2030.
Binay, who is running for senator under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), was also the mayor of Makati City during the administration of the late former President Corazon Aquino.
He is a guest candidate of presidential bets Vice President Leni Robredo, Senator Panfilo Lacson, and Senator Manny Pacquiao in the May 9 elections.