Ombudsman opens graft probe vs Villar family over PrimeWater deals

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 21, 2026

The Office of the Ombudsman has opened a preliminary investigation into graft and administrative complaints against members of the Villar family, PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. executives and officials of several local water districts over allegedly disadvantageous joint venture agreements and water service problems.

The complaints include two counts of graft involving alleged violations of Sections 3(e) and 3(g) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, according to Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano.

Named respondents include Senators Mark Villar and Camille Villar, former senators Manny Villar and Cynthia Villar, and Manuel Paolo Villar. The Ombudsman identified the five Villar family members as alleged beneficial owners of PrimeWater during the period covered by the investigation.

PrimeWater president Fe Reblancos and vice president Romeo Sabater were also named, along with officials of the Quezon Metropolitan Water District, San Pedro Water District and Trece Martires City Water District.

Clavano said the investigation followed a report from the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel showing that 75 local water districts entered into joint venture agreements with PrimeWater from 2015 to 2022.

The Ombudsman said the complaints involve allegedly “grossly disadvantageous” joint venture agreements and cited reports of interrupted and poor-quality water service. It also cited a total of ₱65,650,708.07 in unpaid obligations allegedly owed by PrimeWater for materials and supplies belonging to three water districts.

Clavano said other water districts remain under investigation and that additional cases could follow.

The Villar family said it learned about the complaints through media reports and had yet to receive copies. In a statement, the family said it respects the legal process and will respond to the allegations “at the appropriate time and in the proper forum.”