Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 13) — A Senate panel will investigate the widespread water interruptions that continues to inconvenience thousands of households in Metro Manila, Rizal, and Cavite, Senator Grace Poe said on Wednesday.

The Senate Committee on Public Services will hold its first hearing on the issue on March 19.

She said heads of water concessionaires Manila Water, Maynilad, and concerned government agencies will be invited to the hearing to discuss the crisis and come up with solutions to ease the impact of the supply shortage.

In the lower house, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate and Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano have filed similar resolutions to probe the "sudden" water interruption, which affected customers of Manila Water and Maynilad.

Water in some parts of Metro Manila has been scarce in the last week following Manila Water's announcement of interruptions. The concessionaire pointed to critical water levels in La Mesa Dam due to El Niño, a pattern of scarce rainfall. Zarate said the El Niño is predictable and preparation measures could have been done, but he said the water providers did not prepare for it.