The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office has branded as “unrealistic” the goal of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to expand Metro Manila’s sewerage coverage up to 100 percent by 2026. This developed after the DENR fast tracked the completion of Metro Manila’s sewerage system. This means water concessionaires must be able to achieve 100 percent sewerage coverage by 2026 instead of 2037. Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu started the massive Manila Bay rehabilitation only in January this year. The rehabilitation was divided into three phases, namely cleanup and water quality improvement; rehabilitation and resettlement; and education and sustainment.

Miraflor, M. B. (2019, March 4). MWSS says full sewerage coverage by 2026 'unrealistic'. Manila Bulletin, p. B-2.