Palace intervention on PrimeWater service woes sought

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

CANCEL JOINT VENTURE. Bayan Muna Party-list and consumers of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. file a complaint before Malacañang calling for the cancellation of all joint venture agreements (JVAs) between the Villar family-owned private water utility firm and local water districts around the country on Thursday (May 8, 2025). The complaint cited widespread service failures and legal violations. (PNA photo by Darryl John Esguerra)

MANILA – Bayan Muna Party-list and consumers of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. on Thursday filed a formal complaint before Malacañang calling for the cancellation of all joint venture agreements (JVAs) between the Villar family-owned private water utility firm and local water districts around the country, citing widespread service failures and legal violations.

In the complaint addressed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the group said the JVAs have resulted in frequent water interruptions, poor water quality, high rates, and unresponsive customer service in areas including San Jose del Monte in Bulacan, Bacolod City, Quezon, Cavite, and Bukidnon provinces.

Bayan Muna alleged that these JVAs, mostly entered into during the Duterte administration, are disadvantageous to the public and violate provisions of Presidential Decree 198, which grants operational control of water districts to their respective boards.

It also warned of potential violations of the Constitution and public-private partnership regulations.

The group claimed consumers are burdened with rising costs despite deteriorating service, noting that rates in San Jose del Monte increased from PHP280 to PHP499.53 for the first 10 cubic meters of consumption since PrimeWater’s takeover in 2018.

The complaint also cited the displacement of water district employees and questioned whether PrimeWater has been charging corporate income taxes to consumers, an issue previously raised in a Supreme Court case.

Bayan Muna appealed to the President to issue an executive order rescinding the JVAs, direct the Local Water Utilities Administration to retake control of affected districts, and order a full investigation into the deals.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro earlier said the President will order an investigation into the operations of PrimeWater.

An inquiry has been sought at the House of Representatives, covering PrimeWater’s JVAs on the financial viability of local water districts, the quality and affordability of water services, and the well-being of consumers.

Meanwhile, a separate investigation has also been called at the Senate.